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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Dan’s Nairobi Visit: 20 Years of Potential and Opportunity

On Ngong Road a city moves—matatus and motorbikes, students and shopkeepers, the everyday rhythm of a Tuesday morning in a city of six million. Everywhere in that city abuzz you find potential and opportunity searching for each other. For twenty years now, bringing them together has been our core mission at Friends of Ngong Road.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of seeing that work up close alongside travel companions Leslie, Anne, Naomi, and Keith. What we found was momentum: in the way our team moves, in the way our students carry themselves, and in our 2026 pilot program, which launched 100 new students into our community this year alone.

Celebrating 20 Years of Momentum

We felt that the momentum most around shared tables. On Saturday evening, nearly forty staff, board members, and volunteers gathered for a 20th anniversary dinner. The celebration continued cheerfully, even after a local power outage kept us in the dark for more than hour!

From there, the week shifted into our primary programming:

  • School Visits: We toured the new Lenana WorldComp campus and visited Kahuho Road Academy, which together educate roughly 100 of our students.
  • Hands-on Learning: We observed life skills and mental health classes and spent time at Elimu Hub, where students explored 3D printing and robotics.
  • Alumni Success: Our alumni team hosted a panel with twelve graduates, showcasing the long-term impact of our work.

Expansion and Technology

The week was a whirlwind of activity across Nairobi and beyond. While Leslie and Naomi traveled to Lake Naivasha for a post-secondary student camp, Keith worked with our team on critical technology improvements. Anne spent valuable time with case managers and leadership to ensure our operations remain student-focused.

These efforts are backed by the incredible data from our April impact update:

  • 380+ active students currently in the program.
  • 100 new students were welcomed in the largest expansion in our history.
  • Thousands of meals provided and hundreds of hours of life-changing programming delivered.

Partnerships for the Future

Our work does not happen in isolation. We were graciously hosted by partners across Nairobi, including the KCB Foundation, the Kenya Community Development Foundation, CFK Africa, and Kenya Works.

During our meetings, including a session with our new Nairobi fundraising hire, Emily, we focused on one central question: What does it take to close the gap between potential and opportunity at scale for another twenty years?

A Quiet Confidence

I returned home reflecting on the faces of our students, alumni, and team. I saw determination, resilience, and a quiet confidence that what we are building together actually works.

Deep thanks go to Kelvin and the entire NRCF staff, our boards, our volunteers, and every donor who made this trip possible.

Watch the video of our time in Kenya below, and read our full April impact update at impact.ngongroad.org.

Thank you for being a Friend,

Dan

President
Friends of Ngong Road

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Giftone: NRCF’s Grade 7 Top Achiever

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), we take immense pride in the transformation of our students. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight a young man who embodies the spirit of hard work and multi-talented ambition: Giftone.

Academic Brilliance at PCEA Kimuri Primary School

Giftone is currently a Grade 7 student at PCEA Kimuri Primary School. In the most recent school term, he reached a milestone that deserves a standing ovation—he was officially awarded as the highest-performing student in his class.

Transitioning into Junior Secondary School (JSS) can be challenging, but Giftone has navigated it with grace and focus. His dedication to his studies proves that with the right support and a determined mindset, our students can compete at the highest levels.

More Than Just a Scholar: A Star on the Pitch

While Giftone is a powerhouse in the classroom, he is equally passionate about his time outside of it. He is an avid football lover, often seen honing his skills and enjoying the teamwork that the sport demands.

We believe that sports play a crucial role in a child’s development by teaching:

  • Discipline: Balancing rigorous practice with homework.
  • Teamwork: Learning to collaborate with peers toward a common goal.
  • Resilience: Understanding that success comes from getting back up after a loss.

“Giftone is a shining example of what happens when opportunity meets talent. We are so proud of his academic success and his vibrant spirit on the football field.” — NRCF Team

Empowering Dreams Through Education

Giftone’s success is a testament to the impact of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation community. By providing access to quality education at institutions like PCEA Kimuri Primary School, we are ensuring that bright minds like Giftone have the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty.

How You Can Help

Giftone’s journey is just one of many. Our mission is to support more students in achieving their “highest performance” in all areas of life. Whether it’s through sponsorship, donations, or spreading the word, you can help us cultivate the next generation of leaders and athletes.

Congratulations, Giftone! Keep chasing your goals—both on the field and in the classroom.

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Meet the Mentors: Empowering Students via Case Management

Behind every successful student is a support system that believes in their potential. At the heart of our mission, our Primary Case Managers serve as the backbone of our educational programs. As a locally-led organization, we pride ourselves on providing more than just financial aid; we provide consistent, hand-in-hand guidance for elementary and middle school students.

Today, we are proud to introduce two of the incredible individuals who make this possible: Norah and Wence.

Norah: A Decade of Dedication and Transformation

Title: Senior Case Manager

Norah’s journey with us began in 2011 as an intern. Over the last decade, she has worn many hats—from librarian to secondary case manager—before taking on her current role as Senior Case Manager for our primary department.

For Norah, the work is deeply personal. She focuses on building meaningful relationships with families, especially during their most challenging moments. By understanding each household’s specific needs, she provides the hope and guidance necessary for long-term growth.

Why Norah Does What She Does:

  • Witnessing Growth: She finds immense satisfaction in seeing the “positive transformations” in her students’ lives.
  • Holistic Support: She believes that by engaging closely with families, the entire community moves forward together.
  • Passion-Driven: Norah views her work as a blessing, witnessing lives change for the better every day.

“Working with the children at this organization has been one of the greatest joys. Seeing their growth and smiles reminds me every day why all this is important.” — Norah

Wence: From Program Beneficiary to Community Leader

Title: Junior Case Manager

Wence’s story is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of our mentorship. Having joined the program as a beneficiary in 2009, Wence grew up within our community. Even during his college years, he returned to volunteer, mentoring younger students and facilitating Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) talks.

In 2017, driven by a desire to give back, Wence pursued a career in social work. His lived experience as a former student in the program allows him to connect with his students with a level of authenticity and empathy that is truly unique.

Wence’s Impact by the Numbers:

  • 62 Students: The number of primary students Wence manages directly.
  • 200+ Youth: The number of young people reached through his enrichment and SRH programs.
  • 9 Years: The time he spent as a student before transitioning into a professional role within the organization.

“This organization has shaped the person I am today. Beyond education, it instilled in me the belief that we all have a responsibility to lift others as we rise.” — Wence

Why Local Case Management Matters

Our case managers do more than check grades. They are mentors, advocates, and pillars of support. Whether it is Norah’s decade of experience or Wence’s firsthand understanding of the student journey, our team ensures that every child in our primary department has the tools to achieve their dreams.

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Bimeda & NRCF: A Decade of Changing Lives in Nairobi

The journey from a casual vacation to a life-changing mission often begins with a single, unexpected detour. For Chris Adams and Ronan Smith (CEO of Bimeda AMEA), that detour happened in September 2012. What started as a trip from Ireland to Nairobi evolved into a twelve-year legacy of mentorship, sponsorship, and transformation.

The Seed That Was Sown: A Visit to Ngong Road

While Ronan attended business meetings, his driver, Emmanuel Gatimu, offered to show Chris the “real” Nairobi. After the usual tourist sights, Gatimu made a special request: a visit to see his daughter, Anne, at her workplace.

Anne was an IT teacher at the Ngong Road Children’s Association (NRCA). In a cramped room with just a few ancient laptops, Chris witnessed eight enthusiastic children eager to learn. Nearby, a tiny library was buzzing with energy as students jostled for books under the watchful eye of Teacher Lucy.

Their dedication and passion to do all they could to help these kids achieve their young dreams were obvious. I was hooked.” — Chris Adams

From a Meeting to a Mission

That evening, the seed was planted. A meeting was soon orchestrated between Chris, Ronan, and Paula, whose vision was to grow the six-year-old NRCA into something much larger. By the end of 2012, Bimeda officially sponsored its first six students—three boys and three girls.

Moving Beyond Distance: The Power of Proximity

In 2014, the journey took a personal turn when Chris and Ronan moved to Nairobi full-time. No longer just a name on an email from Ireland, Chris became a hands-on mentor.

Living locally allowed for a unique bond to form with the students. The “Mzungu sponsor” who was always around eventually became a trusted guide. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of:

  • Primary and Secondary Education
  • Mentorship and Career Advice
  • Life Experiences: From cycling in Karura Forest and zip-lining in Limuru to simple lunches across Nairobi.

Celebrating “Generation 1” Success

The impact of this long-term commitment is tangible. As of 2024, the original “Generation 1” students—Faith, Willis, Caroline, Susan, Fidel, and Jacob—have achieved incredible milestones:

  • 5 Third-Level Graduates (1 Certificate, 3 Diplomas, 1 Degree).
  • 2 Successfully employed and entering the workforce.

The Evolution of NRCF

Since those early days in 2012, the organization has evolved from NRCA to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). The growth has been monumental:

  • Expanded Infrastructure: A state-of-the-art computer lab (TechMates), a thriving library, and the Elimu Hub.
  • Holistic Support: Dedicated departments for Post-Secondary and Alumni support, as well as personal development and wellbeing programs.
  • Corporate Mentorship: Special thanks to Ms. Belliah Anjili (Bimeda AMEA HR Manager) for creating internship opportunities that bridge the gap between education and employment.

Looking Ahead: Generation 2 and Beyond

The success of the first group has inspired a new chapter. In 2025, Bimeda commenced the sponsorship of “Generation 2”—four eager primary students: Trizar, Jairus, Princess, and Prudence.

As Chris and Ronan start this adventure again, they remain committed to the belief that with the right support, every child can reach their best self. To the graduates of Generation 1, the message is clear: The sky is the limit. To Generation 2, the journey has just begun.