Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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Leslie’s Reflections on Kenya’s Contrasts and Community

I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on my trip to Kenya and my visit to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). As a long-time donor and new Board member, I was thrilled to see our work up close.

Kenya’s beauty is striking and full of contrasts. On my first day, while hiking in the peaceful Ngong Road Forest Preserve, I glimpsed the massive Talenta Sports Stadium under construction nearby. The stadium sits right on busy Ngong Road near the NRCF offices in Dagoretti—a densely populated area of informal housing where many of our students live.

The road itself is a bustling river of life. It is packed with people selling everything from furniture to plants, alongside cars, music-blasting matatus (mini-buses), tuk-tuks, boda-bodas (motorcycles), and the occasional herd of goats.

The Power of Holistic Support

Against this vibrant backdrop, I witnessed the deep impact of NRCF’s wrap-around services. The organization supports students and families through a multi-layered approach:

  • The Saturday Program: A weekly haven where kids eat nutritious meals, attend educational sessions, and just have fun. I loved watching a hilarious balloon-popping relay race where the tiniest kids kept trying until they succeeded!
  • Core Operations: I spent days learning from staff, visiting students’ homes, touring schools, and seeing our community health partnerships in action.
  • Alumni Success: A major highlight was meeting 12 alumni now thriving as business consultants, entrepreneurs, software engineers, data analysts, marketers, and academic officers.

A Lifelong Sense of Community

When asked what they valued most, the alumni didn’t just mention financial aid. Instead, they spoke of the deep sense of community. NRCF provided friends, mentors, and case managers who stuck by them. Even as working adults, it remains the first place they go for answers.

They also had sharp questions for us about AI’s impact on their careers, global higher education, and entrepreneurship. Hearing their ambitions reminded me of a striking World Economic Forum forecast:

“By 2030, 40% of the world’s young people will be African. By 2050, Africa will account for 85% of the expected increase in the global working-age population… As these people enter the workforce and even build their own businesses, African countries must create the right conditions for them to thrive.”

Looking Ahead

My time in Kenya reinforced that NRCF’s long-term, holistic approach is exactly what is needed to help these youth thrive. We don’t just get them into school; we stay with them every step of the way, providing meals, healthcare, and life skills.

These students are the future of Africa. As a citizen of the world, I am honored to be a small part of their journey. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend a visit to Kenya—a beautiful country with beautiful people!

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Anne Heller’s Vibrant Return to Nairobi

What do you do when you are captivated by the indomitable spirit of the children you met on your first trip to Nairobi? If you are like my husband, Andy, and me, you quickly engineer a way to return, confirming that the magic of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) is just as fulfilling as you remembered, and then some.

In March 2025, we had our first introduction to NRCF alongside founder Paula Meyer. We met Eliakim, the student we sponsor, engaged with the talented local staff, and witnessed the vibrant Saturday program. Seeing the joy in the primary grades and the quiet dedication of the secondary students inspired me to move beyond sponsorship and deepen my involvement with the organization.

Strengthening the Bond: From Spain to Chicago to Kenya

Although we are primarily based in Spain, we maintained our connection to the mission during a visit to Chicago in late 2025. It was there that we reconnected with Paula and met Executive Director Dan Fernelius. Hearing about the ambitious goals for the foundation, I knew I had to join the upcoming board trip in the spring of 2026.

The 2026 Board Visit: Strategy and “Crazy Games”

On April 11, 2026, I returned to Nairobi with Dan, board members Leslie Walstrom and Keith Richard, and Naomi Miezwa. Our week was a profound blend of strategic oversight and heartfelt community connection:

  • Behind the Scenes: We kicked off with staff meetings to learn about the intricate roles that keep NRCF running.
  • Community Moments: We shared lunch at KFC with students and case managers, bridging the gap between supporters and those on the ground.
  • The Saturday Program: We participated in “Crazy Games”—a high-energy event that showcases the vibrant spirit of our students, even during school breaks.
  • Collaborative Learning: We toured schools and met with similar educational foundations in Nairobi to share insights and strengthen our collective impact.

The Ripple Effect of a Single Drop

This week in Nairobi was a “technicolor” experience—impactful, hopeful, and vibrant. The gentle, optimistic nature of the people here acts as its own kind of magic. It reinforces the belief that supporting even one child creates a ripple effect.

It is a testament to how a single drop of water, through consistency and connection, can grow into a powerful force for change. I returned home more determined than ever to support the ambitious future of NRCF.

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Meet Our Post-Secondary Case Managers

As a locally-led organization, our Case Managers are the backbone of the program’s success. They walk hand in hand with our students throughout their educational journeys, making sure they have the support and guidance they need to achieve their dreams. 

Tunda–Senior Case Manager

Tunda joined our organization in 2010 as a volunteer caseworker, giving back to the community.  A year later, she became a full-time case manager. She has held multiple positions in her 16 years, but her consistent presence, care for the students, and bright personality make her a beacon for many students. 

Tunda was born into a polygamous Maasai family whose father had three wives; she therefore has fourteen brothers and sisters in total. She grew up in a small village in Maasai land and faced her share of challenges and hurdles to get an education. Tunda works closely with the college students, supporting them through education, mentorship, and life skills. She plays a pivotal role in supporting teenagers and youths to discover their potential and explore different opportunities. Tunda is a university graduate with a degree in development studies and a certified life skills coach.  Her work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: when children are given education, support, and confidence, they can transform not only their own lives but the future of the world around them. 

Quote about working at NRCF 

“At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we don’t just support children through education; we walk beside them as they discover their potential and build a future they once only dreamed of.” 

George–Junior Case Manager

Social work has always been a passion for George. After being supported throughout his education, he earned a diploma in Community Development from Mount Kenya University. Through the generous sponsorship of Bob Tritt and Louise Tritt, George completed his studies and pursued his dream of giving back to society.

Despite challenges, including peer pressure during his school years, he remained focused and graduated in 2016. His passion for helping others led him to choose Community Development as a way of supporting the community that nurtured him.

Today, George works as a caseworker at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, where he is committed to improving the lives of students and making a positive impact in society.

Having gone through our program and now being a case manager, he’s able to relate to and serve other students in a unique way, having been in their shoes.

Quote about working at NRCF 

“By helping students navigate the challenges they face and providing them with the necessary support, I am humbled to contribute significantly to their academic and personal growth.”

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Michael’s Journey: From Coding Bootcamp to Tech Innovator

The journey of digital transformation often begins with a single student identifying a gap in the system. For Michael Moses, that journey started in 2018 when he joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). Since then, the organization has been a cornerstone of his educational development, providing the support necessary to turn academic potential into real-world innovation.

Building a Strong Technical Foundation

After high school, Michael and his peers were selected for an intensive coding bootcamp facilitated by DirectEd Development. This eight-month program was a turning point, equipping him with a sophisticated suite of technical and professional skills, including:

  • Programming Languages: Mastery of Python and JavaScript.
  • Version Control: Proficiency in Git and GitHub.
  • Professional Skills: Training in project management and collaborative teamwork.

While Michael initially specialized in Generative AI and Machine Learning, his passion soon expanded into broader software development, specifically focusing on the creation of mobile and web applications.

Identifying the “WhatsApp Chaos” Problem

Now a second-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Michael observed a recurring frustration among his peers.

Despite being in a high-tech environment, most academic communication still relied on WhatsApp groups. This led to “information overload,” where vital lecture notes, deadlines, and official announcements were frequently buried under hundreds of casual chat messages. Michael realized this wasn’t just a student problem; it was a challenge for any corporate organization relying on disorganized chat apps for data sharing.

The Birth of Semestra

In October 2024, Michael decided to bridge this gap. After conducting market research to validate the demand for a more organized system, he began development in December. By April 2026, he successfully launched the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of his platform: Semestra.

Semestra is designed to modernize how learning institutions share resources. It offers a centralized, organized hub where academic information is impossible to miss.

Early Success and Future Vision

The impact of the platform was immediate. Since its launch, 18 classes at JKUAT have already adopted Semestra to manage their academic workflows.

Michael’s goal is to scale this solution across more institutions, replacing chaotic messaging threads with a professional, streamlined platform. His story serves as a powerful testament to how targeted educational support and personal initiative can drive the next generation of African tech solutions.

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Purity’s Rise: From Sponsored Student to Professional Chef

The year was 2007 when Purity Mayodi’s life changed forever. Back then, things were not easy. She was a young girl with big dreams, but she didn’t have the money for school. She worried about her future every day. Then, the Ngong Road Children Foundation opened its doors to her.

Because of the foundation, the school doors stayed open. Purity didn’t have to worry about books or fees anymore. Everything she needed to learn was provided for her. Looking back, she knows that without this help, she might never have finished her education. It was the gift that changed her path.

A Heart Full of Thanks

Purity carries a special kind of love for her sponsor, Margaret Meyer. Even though she didn’t see her, she thinks of her often. Her kindness was the bridge that helped her cross over from a life of struggle to a life of hope.

“I owe you so much,” she says in her heart. “I dream of the day I can finally get in touch with you to show you what your help did for me.”

Success in the Kitchen

Today, if you walk into Gemini, one of the biggest and best hotels in Kilimani, Nairobi, you will find Purity in her element. She is no longer just a student; she is a professional chef. She works in a fast-paced, exciting kitchen, doing what she loves every single day.

The best part of her success is the peace it brings her. Because she has a good job, Purity can now take care of herself and her family. She has gone from needing help to being the person who provides help.

Why Her Story Matters

Purity’s journey shows how much a little help can do:

  • Independence: She can now pay for her own needs and support her loved ones.
  • A Real Career: She turned her education into a professional job in a top location in Nairobi.
  • Endless Gratitude: She is a proud graduate of the foundation and stays thankful for every bit of support she received.

Purity Mayodi is proof that when you educate a child, you give them a new life. She is grateful to the Ngong Road Children Foundation for believing in her when she was starting. Now, she is cooking up a bright future for everyone around her.