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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.