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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How Education and Mentorship Changed Jacklyne’s Future

Jacklyne Nyarwai’s journey is a powerful story of how holistic support can transform a life. Born and raised in a disadvantaged community, Jacklyne faced severe financial struggles and limited access to basic needs. Despite these early hardships, her passion for learning drove her to seek a better future.

A Life-Changing Opportunity with NRCF

Jacklyne’s life reached a turning point when she joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). The foundation provided the essential resources her family could not afford, including:

Excellence Through Holistic Support

NRCF’s mission goes beyond just paying for school; it focuses on nurturing the whole child. Jacklyne thrived in this environment, excelling in her studies and earning recognition for her perseverance.

She also became a leader in her own right, participating in community service initiatives organized by the foundation. These experiences taught her the value of giving back to those facing challenges similar to her own.

Looking Toward a Bright Future

After successfully graduating from secondary school, Jacklyne continued her journey toward higher education. She is currently gaining professional experience working in Customer Care, proving that she has the skills to succeed in the modern job market.

Jacklyne’s Vision for Success:

  • Role Model: She aims to inspire other young people from her community and NRCF to dream big.
  • Empowerment: She believes education is the ultimate key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
  • Continuous Learning: She plans to further her studies in a field that inspires her to create a lasting impact.

Jacklyne Nyarwai’s story proves that with the right foundation and a determined spirit, anyone can rise above their circumstances to build a better future.

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From Slums to Community Leader

Gervas Ouma’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of holistic support. Born and raised in the Ngando slums of Dagoretti, Nairobi, Gervas overcame the systemic challenges of living in an informal settlement to become a beacon of hope for youth empowerment.

Foundations of Success: Education and Support

Gervas’s transformation was fueled by his determination and the critical intervention of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). Through NRCF, he received the education and holistic support necessary to navigate his primary and secondary schooling, eventually serving as the Deputy President at Parklands Boys High School.

His academic journey includes:

  • Diploma in IT: Africa Nazarene University.
  • B.A. in Political Science & Social Work: University of Nairobi (Second Class Upper Division).

Professional Growth and Resilience

Gervas began his career at Digital Divide Data, rising from a Data Entry Associate to a Data Quality Analyst. Despite a period of unemployment in 2022, his perseverance led him to CFK Africa in 2024. Starting as a Field Officer, he demonstrated dedication to community mobilization, earning a promotion to Project Officer and leading the TechCraft Program.

Impact Through TechCraft and Digi Hub

Today, Gervas spearheads initiatives that provide underserved youth with essential vocational and digital skills, including:

  • Technical Trades: Electrical installation, plumbing, welding, and mechanics.
  • Digital Innovation: Data annotation, freelancing, and digital work readiness via the Digi Hub.

A Locally Led Vision

Gervas embodies the principle of being Locally Led. Having grown up in the communities he now serves, he bridges the gap between digital innovation and social transformation. By leveraging Powerful Partnerships and Thorough Transparency, he ensures that young people from informal settlements have the mentorship and employment pathways needed to build sustainable livelihoods.

“Regardless of where someone comes from, with the right support and determination, transformation is possible.”

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Raymond’s Journey to a Tech Scholarship

For many, securing a scholarship to the prestigious African Leadership University (ALU) to study Software Engineering would feel like winning the lottery. For Raymond, it was the culmination of a decade-long journey of hard work, resilience, and community support.

Raymond joined NRCF back in 2014 when he was just a Grade 4 student. Thanks to the foundation, he finished primary school in 2018 and moved on to High School.

In high school, Raymond discovered a love for computers. This new passion changed everything—he decided to drop his childhood dream of becoming a doctor to focus entirely on technology.

Learning to Code

After finishing high school in 2022, Raymond was eager to learn. NRCF helped him take his first steps into the tech world:

  • Basic Training: In January 2023, he took computer classes at Belmont College.
  • Coding Bootcamp: In April 2023, NRCF partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation to teach high school graduates how to write software.

During the bootcamp, Raymond had to build his own app to solve a real-world problem. He created a messaging app called “The Terminal.” To make it work perfectly, he even taught himself a complex new technology called Socket.io. His hard work paid off, and his project scored 60 out of 75, earning him a certificate in Full-Stack Development.

Opening the Door to ALU

The skills Raymond learned through NRCF and DirectEd prepared him for his biggest challenge yet: applying to ALU. The university was not just looking at grades; they wanted leaders who could use technology to help Africa.

Raymond proved he had what it takes. When the university offered him a full scholarship, a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. The scholarship meant he could focus 100% on his studies without worrying about school fees.

Building a Brighter Future

Today, Raymond is at ALU doing what he loves. The university does not just use boring lectures; instead, students work on real-world projects. At ALU, Raymond is focusing on three main areas:

  • Teamwork: Working with smart students from all over Africa.
  • Practical Skills: Creating software that genuinely helps people.
  • Leadership: Learning how to lead teams and manage tech products.

Raymond’s story shows how far a student can go with the right support. He is no longer just a boy learning to code—he is on his way to becoming a world-class developer, ready to use technology to uplift his community and his continent.

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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.