Francis is a professional zoologist, rabbit farmer, and web developer with an inspiring story of resilience and entrepreneurship. His journey with the NRCF program began in 2010 when he joined the program, as his mother had struggled to keep him in school. Through NRCF’s assistance, he completed his primary and secondary education and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Today, Francis is a thriving entrepreneur, running his own business, Epicears Rabbitry, which he established in November 2023. His journey into entrepreneurship was strengthened by his time in the Techmates program, where he acquired valuable web development skills. These skills have enabled him to create a website for Epicears Rabbitry, enhancing its reach and marketing effectiveness.

His involvement in NRCF’s Small Business Training program further boosted his business. The training program provided Francis with funds to expand by purchasing new rabbits, helping him meet growing customer demand. Epicears Rabbitry also caters to events by selling rabbit meat-based dishes, a popular option due to the meat’s lean and healthy protein content. The demand has grown so significantly that Francis now collaborates with other farmers to maintain a steady supply.

Francis is grateful to the NRCF program for both his educational foundation and the support he received to fuel his entrepreneurial journey. He is optimistic about the continued growth of Epicears Rabbitry and is committed to providing a nutritious food option to the community while scaling his business.

During her visit to NRCF offices in Nairobi, Paula engaged in a series of strategic meetings aimed at enhancing partnerships and expanding opportunities to empower and support our beneficiaries more effectively. One of her key discussions was with the team at the Public Diplomacy section of the US Embassy, where they explored multiple potential areas for collaboration. These included mentorship programs facilitated by Alumni of US exchange programs, resource sharing through American Centers, and opportunities for professional development for staff. These partnerships hold promise to bring significant resources and learning opportunities to our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities.

In addition, Paula met with the leadership of Carolina For Kibera (CFK) Africa to discuss possible synergies, especially in youth empowerment. CFK Africa fights extreme poverty in informal settlements in Kenya through complementary youth leadership and public health initiatives. Together, they outlined ways to work towards common goals that would increase our impact and improve employment outcomes for young people. This collaboration aims to leverage each organization’s strengths, amplifying efforts to create a positive change in youth employment.

Lastly, Paula expressed gratitude to Shivani from Zen Garden, appreciating her continued support for NRCF’s local fundraising efforts. Shivani’s dedication has been instrumental in boosting our fundraising initiatives through events hosted at Zen Garden, helping us sustain and expand our programs.

These partnerships aim to strengthen our mission and enhance our impact in the community. We look forward to building on these connections to achieve our shared goals.

During their one-week visit to Nairobi, Paula and John recently had the pleasure of meeting Carl, a former surgeon who has embraced a new path as an artist focused on works that highlight social issues. Carl’s dedication to blending art with social impact was evident as he shared insights about his creative journey, offering a powerful example of art as a catalyst for awareness and change. 

During their time with Carl, Paula and John visited some of Kenya’s iconic cultural and art spots, including Utamaduni Craft Centre, the renowned Kazuri Beads studio, and Karen Art Village. These stops showcased Kenya’s vibrant artistic heritage and its influence on the local community and economy. The excursion provided a fuller view of Kenya’s creative landscape, from handmade crafts to contemporary art spaces.

Carl got the opportunity to attend the Saturday program and joined the youth art club, where young, aspiring students showcased their works. He got to hear firsthand about the students’ artistic journeys, nurtured by our dedicated volunteers who tirelessly support and mentor them. The young artists shared stories of growth, creativity, and transformation made possible by this community’s guidance and encouragement. The Creative Arts program holds special significance as the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya now includes creative arts as a core component, recognizing the importance of fostering artistic skills from an early age.

At the end of his trip, Carl left an enduring impact by sponsoring Kyle, one of the young artists, embarking on a transformative educational journey that promises to support and develop Kyle’s creative talent.

For more on Carl’s work, you can explore his LinkedIn page and his artwork website.

Paula, the visionary founder of the NRCF program, recently completed a meaningful one-week trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where she connected with a diverse range of individuals who form the heart of NRCF’s community. Her trip was packed with moments of inspiration, collaboration, and reflection on NRCF’s mission and future.

A highlight of Paula’s trip was her time with the students she sponsors, most of whom are now in post-secondary education or are proud alumni. They enjoyed a lunch gathering and a memorable safari to Naivasha. These moments allowed Paula to connect personally with her students, gaining insight into their lives and witnessing firsthand the progress they have made. At NRCF’s offices, Paula also joined a panel of alumni, whose stories of success were truly inspiring. Each alumnus shared how NRCF’s support had transformed their lives, helping them pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

Paula also met with the team leaders at the Techmates program, one of NRCF’s employment initiatives that aims to equip young people with essential tech and digital skills. Together, they discussed program activities and explored how to connect Techmates graduates with job opportunities on platforms like Upwork, enabling them to secure work and grow their careers. Paula spent time with the rest of the Techmates team to gain insight into the skills they are acquiring, the jobs some have secured, and the challenges they face. This open dialogue helped uncover potential solutions to ensure ongoing success for current and future Techmates participants.

In addition to her time with students and alumni, Paula connected with NRCF staff and individual Board members to better understand their roles and contributions toward NRCF’s mission. This exchange fostered a deeper appreciation for the staff’s dedication and commitment to NRCF’s goals. In a significant milestone, Paula’s term as Board Chair came to a close, and Jeff was elected as the new Chair of the NRCF Board during the Board meeting on October 25th. 

Paula’s contributions to NRCF have been nothing short of transformative. As the visionary founder, her commitment has been the bedrock of the program, helping to empower countless students and alumni through education and mentorship. Her support has opened doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach, and her dedication has inspired resilience, ambition, and growth within the entire NRCF community. We are grateful for her leadership and enduring belief in the potential of each student. Paula’s impact resonates in every success story and personal achievement, and her legacy will continue to inspire NRCF’s mission for years to come. Join us in transforming lives today!