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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September 9, 2025 By Dan Fernelius Leave a Comment

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

September 9, 2025 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

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.

September 9, 2025 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Sonia’s dream is on hold

Sponsor me →

September 9, 2025 By Mercy Wangari Leave a Comment

NGO Support Helps Blessing Build a Better Future

Her name is Blessing, and true to her name, she brings hope wherever she goes. She joined our program with one goal, to improve her family’s situation and build a better future. Thanks to our NGO support, Blessing gained access to quality education. After finishing primary school, she moved on to high school. She is now on a path from poverty to a brighter future.

NGO support

Blessing dreams of becoming an accountant. She works hard in school and does well consistently. Because of her dedication and positive attitude, her school recognised her and made her a class prefect, a leadership role. At our NGO, we are proud to support her journey. Through life skills training, education programs, and personal mentorship, she is becoming a confident young leader ready to shape her future.

As we continue to support her, Blessing shows us that real change happens when young people are empowered through education.



September 4, 2025 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Dan’s Visit to Nairobi

Traveling to Kenya for the first time is an experience that is hard to capture in words. As Paula often says, “we have to get you to Kenya,” and now I fully understand why. The week was remarkable in every way—equal parts energizing, humbling, and inspiring. I return to the U.S. with deep gratitude for what our community of Friends of Ngong Road has built and for the extraordinary team at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), whose professionalism, energy, and commitment to our mission left me so confident in our future.

One of the highlights was attending Saturday Program, where nearly 150 kids gathered for “crazy games.” I joined a relay race involving balloons and, despite being the self-proclaimed “slow American,” my team pulled off the win. These moments of laughter and connection reminded me that our mission is not only about education and opportunity but also about joy, resilience, and community.

In every classroom I visited, every story I heard, and every handshake I received, I saw the tangible impact of your support. This video captures just a fraction of that journey, but I hope it conveys the same sense of awe, gratitude, and possibility that I carried home.

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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

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