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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April 2, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Elimu ‘Education’ Hub: Empowering Kids Through Literacy

Located within a repurposed, bright yellow shipping container, the Elimu ‘Education’ Hub stands as a beacon of opportunity. It is not just a building; it is the heart of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) library, where the community’s commitment to education comes to life. At the heart of this mission is Lucy, the Administrative Assistant and Librarian. She fosters a safe, resource-filled environment, ensuring every child has the high-quality tools they need to succeed.

The Pillar of Literacy: Beyond the Bookshelves

At its core, the Elimu Hub is designed to tackle literacy challenges head-on. The library isn’t just about storing books; it’s about active engagement.

  • Curated Selection: The shelves are stocked with a diverse range of titles, from picture books for early learners to complex narratives for older students.
  • Visual Aids: Recognizing that children learn in different ways, the library utilizes visual aids to help students grasp difficult concepts and improve comprehension.
  • Fluency and Confidence: By reading aloud and participating in group discussions, students bridge the gap between recognizing words and understanding their context, building the confidence needed to excel in their formal schooling.

Innovative Learning: The Power of Multimedia

One of the hub’s most popular features is its integration of technology through movie sessions. These aren’t just for entertainment—they are a strategic pedagogical tool:

  1. Educational Movies: Carefully selected films provide a window into the world, teaching history, science, and social studies in an easy-to-digest way.
  2. Life Skills Integration: Many sessions focus on character building, empathy, and problem-solving, helping students navigate the complexities of life outside the classroom.
  3. A Fun Environment: By making the library a place of “fun” and “discovery,” the NRCF ensures that students want to be there, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Built on Generosity: The Impact of Sponsorship

The existence of the Elimu Hub is a testament to the power of global and local partnership. From the “Friends of Ngong Road” to various Rotary Clubs and individual donors, the facility represents a collective investment in the future of these children.

“Every book read, and every movie watched is a step toward a brighter, more independent future for our students.” — The NRCF Mission

How You Can Support the Vision

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation relies on the continuous support of donors to maintain the facility, update the book collection, and provide the technology needed for their multimedia sessions.

  • Visit: Learn more about our success stories at ngongroad.org.
  • Contribute: Every donation goes directly toward the resources that make the Elimu Hub a thriving center for education.
  • Spread the Word: Sharing the NRCF’s mission brings more eyes to the vital work being done for the children of Nairobi.

The Elimu Hub proves that with the right resources and a dedicated team, every child has the potential to become a fluent reader and a confident leader.

March 25, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Pacifikah: A Student Leader and Rugby Hero

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), we are very proud of our students. Today, we celebrate Pacifikah, a young woman who shows us what hard work and leadership look like.

Pacifikah is currently in her 3rd year at Eldoret National Polytechnic. She is studying a Diploma in Counseling and Psychology Level 6. She is not just a student; she is a leader who makes a difference every day.

A Strong Voice for Students

In school, Pacifikah is the Class Representative. This means her classmates chose her to lead them. She is very vocal and is never afraid to speak up for others.

Because she is studying psychology, she is very good at:

  • Helping others: She listens to her friends when they have problems.
  • Leading: She helps her class stay organized and talk to their teachers.
  • Being Brave: She uses her voice to make sure every student is treated fairly.

A Champion on the Rugby Field

When she is not in the classroom, Pacifikah is on the sports field. She plays rugby for the school team.

Rugby is a tough and fast sport. It requires a lot of energy and teamwork. By playing rugby, Pacifikah has learned how to be strong, disciplined, and a team player. She brings that same “never give up” spirit to her studies and her life at NRCF.

Our Pride at NRCF

Pacifikah’s story is a great example for all the children at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. She shows that with support and hard work, you can become:

  1. A great student in a professional field.
  2. A brave leader who helps others.
  3. A strong athlete who stays healthy and active.

We are so happy to support Pacifikah as she finishes her final year. She is a true role model!

March 23, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Twenty Years of Transformation: A Message from Our Founder

Hi Friends,

This year, Friends of Ngong Road officially kicks off its 20th Anniversary Celebration. It is a milestone that invites both reflection on where we started and excitement for where we are headed.

When I began this journey two decades ago, my hope was simple: to help a small number of children gain a foothold through primary school education. What has unfolded since then has far exceeded anything I could have imagined.

From Primary Education to Life Transformation

In the early days, our focus was narrow. However, a pivotal moment in 2008 reshaped our entire path. We realized that to create meaningful, lasting change, our goal had to be life transformation, not just primary education.

We committed to supporting students through high school and beyond, recognizing that true independence requires access to professional careers and long-term opportunities.

A Legacy of Impact: By the Numbers

Today, the ripple effect of that commitment is visible across Kenya. Our community of support has fostered incredible growth:

  • 285 Alumni: Our graduates are now working as engineers, teachers, accountants, and programmers.
  • Breaking the Cycle: Many alumni now live in stable housing and earn a living wage, building better futures for their families.
  • Current Students: Nearly 400 students are actively pursuing their education, with another 50 joining the program this April.

Resilience Through Challenges

Our growth hasn’t been without its hurdles. In 2009, a landmark $1 million gift seeded our endowment, providing the financial confidence to pursue our long-term vision.

Since then, we have faced challenges that tested our integrity and resilience. Yet, through every difficult period, we emerged stronger, more disciplined, and more committed to our mission than ever before.

A Bright Future for Friends of Ngong Road

One of the greatest challenges for any founder is ensuring an organization can thrive beyond their own tenure. For a time, I was uncertain about what the future might hold.

Today, that uncertainty has vanished. Thanks to the leadership of our President, Dan Fernelius, and Program Director, Kelvin Thuku, along with our dedicated boards and staff in the U.S. and Kenya, I am confident that our future is bright.

“Our vision is clear: we aim to reach 1,000 students by 2030. I am deeply inspired by this goal and grateful to the community for making it possible.”

Join Us in Minneapolis

We invite you to celebrate this 20-year journey with us. We will be honoring what we have built together and looking ahead to the next two decades of impact.

  • Date: April 23rd
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN

Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we are changing lives.

March 19, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Changing Futures: 20 Years of Turning Potential into Independence

The first quarter of 2026 has been a season of both dynamic growth and significant challenges for the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). As we celebrate major milestones in student enrollment and academic success, we remain committed to navigating the “real-world” hurdles our community faces.

Expanding Our Reach: 50 New Students Join NRCF

This quarter, we welcomed 50 new students into our program. These children, who were previously on our waiting list, now have the opportunity to learn, grow, and imagine a different future.

However, the need in our community continues to rise. During this same period, our waiting list has doubled—a sobering reminder of the scale of our mission and the urgency of our work.

STEM Excellence and Higher Education Milestones

Our students continue to excel, reflecting both their personal ambition and the strength of our support network:

  • Senior School Transitions: 34 students moved into senior school this quarter.
  • The STEM Shift: Notably, 56% of these students have chosen STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), a direct result of our focused STEM immersion efforts.
  • Tertiary Education: 18 graduates from the Class of 2025 have begun their university or college chapters.
  • Leadership through Service: These new tertiary students are currently completing a two-month community service component, a new initiative designed to cultivate a spirit of giving back.

Resilience Amidst the Nairobi Floods

This progress occurred alongside significant hardship. Nairobi recently experienced severe flooding, resulting in loss of life and widespread property damage. Several NRCF families were directly affected. Our team mobilized immediately to provide emergency support, including:

  • Relocation assistance
  • Emergency food supplies
  • Bedding and essential household items

2026: A Historic Year of Growth

Looking ahead, April 2026 will see another 50 students join the program. This expansion makes 2026 the single largest year of growth in our 20-year history—a milestone that reflects both the increasing demand and our deepening commitment to meet it.

Our Partners in Change

None of this would be possible without our sponsors, donors, and partners. You do more than fund education—you open doors and help shape futures that once felt out of reach. Together, we are changing lives, one student at a time.

March 6, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

March Newsletter

2026 marks the beginning of our 20th Anniversary. We’re kicking off a year of celebrating on April 23, 2026, in collaboration with our partners at Arrow Giving Foundation.
Save the date—April 23, 2026—as we celebrate two decades of partnering with students and families in Nairobi to unlock opportunity through education. Today, our alumni are working, leading, supporting their families, and shaping their communities. 

Gather for Impact
Celebrating 20 Years of Friends of Ngong Road
April 23, 5 PM – 7 PM
Maison Margaux

Free to attend and complimentary valet.
Registration opens March 9th—more information to come.


2025: A year of growth and momentum

Thanks to you and our global community of supporters, 2025 was a year of inspiring hope and sparking brighter futures. As our 2025 Outcomes Report shows, your generosity is changing lives.

Because of you, we began 2026 by onboarding 100 new students and have already welcomed the first 50 children in January, with another 50 onboarding in April. Thanks to you and hundreds of supporters, last December, you helped make this possible by giving $293,589. Thank you.

Our team in Kenya wanted to say thank you personally. We invite you to watch this short message of gratitude from the staff and students — the very ones your support impacts.

Program Highlight

Every Saturday, students spend the day engaging in fun activities, sharing laughter, and enjoying a delicious meal. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the impact of education and support. Each Saturday is an opportunity for our students to learn, play, and thrive. Take a moment to enjoy watching kids being kids.

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FRIENDS OF NGONG ROAD &
NGONG ROAD CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

Founded in 2006, Friends of Ngong Road is a 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit equipping Nairobi’s youth with education, support, and pathways to employment—creating lasting change for children, families, and their communities.

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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

Ngong Road Children's Foundation
PO Box 1765-00502
Karen, Nairobi, Kenya


0792-745-612 (Mobile)
info@NRCFKenya.org


Covenant Guest House Road, gate no.9


© 2026 · Friends of Ngong Road, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit