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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Student Sponsorship Achievement Story: Abishag’s Journey.

Meet Abishag, a bright young girl who joined our organization in 2021. Today, she is a powerful student sponsorship achievement story, showing how access to educational support, financial assistance, and mentorship can transform a student’s life. Abishag’s journey is an example of how sponsorship programs empower underprivileged students to discover their potential and achieve their dreams.

student-sponsorship-achievement-story

Over the years, she has blossomed in both academics and personal growth. With the consistent financial support provided by the program, she was able to stay in school, access learning materials, and even contribute to some of the basic needs at home. This support allowed her to focus on her education without the constant worry of financial strain.

Beyond material support, the mentorship and guidance offered through the program helped her gain confidence and build strong life skills. She takes part in extracurricular activities in school, in the badminton club. Through the wins and loses she has gained experiences that allowed her to step into her full potential.

Today, she is thriving. She’s working hard towards her academic goals and is passionate about giving back to her community. Her story is a powerful testament to what can happen when compassionate individuals and organizations invest in the future of a child.

You too, can become part of the story-makers by offering student sponsorship. With this their achievement story is because of your contribution or donations. Together, let’s help more children find hope for their future through education.

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Support Girls Education Help More Students Like Darline Thrive

Darline is a bright and determined young girl. She has come a long way thanks to our program that works to support girls’ education. Today, she is in her final year of high school.

support girls education

Growing up in a poor community where many children struggle to stay in school. Darline faced many challenges. Her family could not afford school fees, and she often lacked basic supplies. But with the support of our program, she received everything she needed to stay in school from tuition and uniforms to learning materials and mentorship.

Darline has made good use of this opportunity. She is passionate about helping others and is an active member of St John Ambulance, a charity that helps people by teaching first aid and giving medical help at events or in emergencies. She also enjoys the arts and takes part in her school’s drama club. Her dream is to become an interior designer, where she can use her creativity to design beautiful spaces that improve people’s lives.

Her teachers describe her as focused, helpful, and a natural leader. She inspires other girls in her school to stay motivated and dream big. Darline’s story is just one example of the impact you make when you support education for girls. There are many more students like her, full of talent and potential, just waiting for the same opportunity.



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My first month with Friends

Hi Friends,

I’m writing just a little more than one month into helping steward Friends of Ngong Road into its next chapter. Someone asked me today if it feels like I’ve been drinking from a fire hose — which in some ways, is true. But what I’ve found one month in is: although there’s been much I’ve been getting my arms around, what stands out is how this community has put its arms around me.

The top of mind example is our team in Kenya. I had a chance to spend a week with them in August both to get into the weeds on what we’re up to programmatically and to literally run through the weeds (mainly grass!) as part of Saturday program. Of all of the things I could rave about when it comes to our partners in Kenya, here’s what you need to know: their professionalism and diligence is only outdone by the genuine care and commitment they have to each other and our program. I am so grateful to call them partners and colleagues.

Back here in the States, it’s been wonderful and simply just a great time getting to know so many of our supporters. In these first thirty days I’ve met with nearly fifty of our supporters — from Santa Barbara to Chicago to the Twin Cities.

If we haven’t had a chance to meet, let’s find a time! You all are the wind in our sails; the reason we’re able to realize our mission. I’m so grateful for the nearly twenty years of support so many of you have provided, and look forward to meeting many more of you.

Looking ahead, here’s what you should expect from us:

  • As we approach our twentieth anniversary, we’re laying the foundation for the next twenty years. We’ll be reaching out to hear your perspective on how we can continue this work together.
  • We’re also entering our most critical fundraising season. Nearly two decades of transformation have been made possible by your generosity — and continued support will ensure we thrive in the years ahead. If you’ve given at year’s end before, expect to hear from me.
  • Finally, while the world feels uncertain, our commitment does not. Board and staff alike remain steadfast: change in a child’s life happens one day at a time, and you can count on us to be there daily for our students as we grow.

Let me close this post by sharing a conversation I had with one of our former students — now a Ngong Road case manager — Wence during a game of chess (Wence 2; Dan 1, by the way).

He said, “a student asked me today, ‘Who are you without your titles?’ Dan, how would you answer that same question?”

My answer was: we all carry so many titles in how we show up in the world. We all have so many ways we’d like to be seen. But at Friends of Ngong Road, it’s powerful to remember how much positive change can come from just one simple title: Friend.

In friendship,

Dan Fernelius
President, Friends of Ngong Road

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Kenya’s tribes, Cultures, and Traditions

Did you know our organization reaches children from over 20 different tribes across Kenya? Kenya is home to more than 40 communities, each with its own language, customs, beliefs, and ways of life. This cultural diversity makes Kenya not only beautiful but also rich in traditions, stories, and unique ways of living.

Some of Kenya’s Major Tribes are:

  • Kikuyu – The largest tribe, known for their business skills and important role in politics.
  • Kalenjin – Famous worldwide for producing great long-distance runners like Eliud Kipchoge, one of the best marathoners ever.
  • Maasai – One of the most well-known tribes, recognized for their colorful clothing, beadwork, and strong traditions.
  • Luhya – Living in Western Kenya, the Luhya are known for their festivals, music, and close family ties.
  • Luo – From the area near Lake Victoria, the Luo are known for their contributions to politics, education, and music.
  • Kamba – Known for their wood carving, artistry, and significant role in Kenya’s trade history.

Most people in Kenya speak their mother tongue along with Kiswahili, the national language, and English, the official language. Each tribe has special traditions like ceremonies for growing up, marriage, and honoring the dead. Music, dance, storytelling, and traditional food are important parts of daily life and celebrations in every community.

Despite differences in politics and ways of life, Kenyan tribes come together during national holidays like Madaraka Day. These events showcase Kenya’s rich heritage through cultural dances, folk songs, and community celebrations. By embracing and respecting these differences, we build a strong sense of belonging and unity.

Understanding Kenya’s tribes helps us see how culture shapes who we are, our communities, and our strength. It also deepens our respect for different worldviews and strengthens connections within Kenya and around the world.