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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May 25, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

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.

May 20, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Meet Our Post-Secondary Case Managers

As a locally-led organization, our Case Managers are the backbone of the program’s success. They walk hand in hand with our students throughout their educational journeys, making sure they have the support and guidance they need to achieve their dreams. 

Tunda–Senior Case Manager

Tunda joined our organization in 2010 as a volunteer caseworker, giving back to the community.  A year later, she became a full-time case manager. She has held multiple positions in her 16 years, but her consistent presence, care for the students, and bright personality make her a beacon for many students. 

Tunda was born into a polygamous Maasai family whose father had three wives; she therefore has fourteen brothers and sisters in total. She grew up in a small village in Maasai land and faced her share of challenges and hurdles to get an education. Tunda works closely with the college students, supporting them through education, mentorship, and life skills. She plays a pivotal role in supporting teenagers and youths to discover their potential and explore different opportunities. Tunda is a university graduate with a degree in development studies and a certified life skills coach.  Her work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: when children are given education, support, and confidence, they can transform not only their own lives but the future of the world around them. 

Quote about working at NRCF 

“At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we don’t just support children through education; we walk beside them as they discover their potential and build a future they once only dreamed of.” 

George–Junior Case Manager

Social work has always been a passion for George. After being supported throughout his education, he earned a diploma in Community Development from Mount Kenya University. Through the generous sponsorship of Bob Tritt and Louise Tritt, George completed his studies and pursued his dream of giving back to society.

Despite challenges, including peer pressure during his school years, he remained focused and graduated in 2016. His passion for helping others led him to choose Community Development as a way of supporting the community that nurtured him.

Today, George works as a caseworker at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, where he is committed to improving the lives of students and making a positive impact in society.

Having gone through our program and now being a case manager, he’s able to relate to and serve other students in a unique way, having been in their shoes.

Quote about working at NRCF 

“By helping students navigate the challenges they face and providing them with the necessary support, I am humbled to contribute significantly to their academic and personal growth.”

May 18, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Michael’s Journey: From Coding Bootcamp to Tech Innovator

The journey of digital transformation often begins with a single student identifying a gap in the system. For Michael Moses, that journey started in 2018 when he joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). Since then, the organization has been a cornerstone of his educational development, providing the support necessary to turn academic potential into real-world innovation.

Building a Strong Technical Foundation

After high school, Michael and his peers were selected for an intensive coding bootcamp facilitated by DirectEd Development. This eight-month program was a turning point, equipping him with a sophisticated suite of technical and professional skills, including:

  • Programming Languages: Mastery of Python and JavaScript.
  • Version Control: Proficiency in Git and GitHub.
  • Professional Skills: Training in project management and collaborative teamwork.

While Michael initially specialized in Generative AI and Machine Learning, his passion soon expanded into broader software development, specifically focusing on the creation of mobile and web applications.

Identifying the “WhatsApp Chaos” Problem

Now a second-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Michael observed a recurring frustration among his peers.

Despite being in a high-tech environment, most academic communication still relied on WhatsApp groups. This led to “information overload,” where vital lecture notes, deadlines, and official announcements were frequently buried under hundreds of casual chat messages. Michael realized this wasn’t just a student problem; it was a challenge for any corporate organization relying on disorganized chat apps for data sharing.

The Birth of Semestra

In October 2024, Michael decided to bridge this gap. After conducting market research to validate the demand for a more organized system, he began development in December. By April 2026, he successfully launched the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of his platform: Semestra.

Semestra is designed to modernize how learning institutions share resources. It offers a centralized, organized hub where academic information is impossible to miss.

Early Success and Future Vision

The impact of the platform was immediate. Since its launch, 18 classes at JKUAT have already adopted Semestra to manage their academic workflows.

Michael’s goal is to scale this solution across more institutions, replacing chaotic messaging threads with a professional, streamlined platform. His story serves as a powerful testament to how targeted educational support and personal initiative can drive the next generation of African tech solutions.

May 13, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Purity’s Rise: From Sponsored Student to Professional Chef

The year was 2007 when Purity Mayodi’s life changed forever. Back then, things were not easy. She was a young girl with big dreams, but she didn’t have the money for school. She worried about her future every day. Then, the Ngong Road Children Foundation opened its doors to her.

Because of the foundation, the school doors stayed open. Purity didn’t have to worry about books or fees anymore. Everything she needed to learn was provided for her. Looking back, she knows that without this help, she might never have finished her education. It was the gift that changed her path.

A Heart Full of Thanks

Purity carries a special kind of love for her sponsor, Margaret Meyer. Even though she didn’t see her, she thinks of her often. Her kindness was the bridge that helped her cross over from a life of struggle to a life of hope.

“I owe you so much,” she says in her heart. “I dream of the day I can finally get in touch with you to show you what your help did for me.”

Success in the Kitchen

Today, if you walk into Gemini, one of the biggest and best hotels in Kilimani, Nairobi, you will find Purity in her element. She is no longer just a student; she is a professional chef. She works in a fast-paced, exciting kitchen, doing what she loves every single day.

The best part of her success is the peace it brings her. Because she has a good job, Purity can now take care of herself and her family. She has gone from needing help to being the person who provides help.

Why Her Story Matters

Purity’s journey shows how much a little help can do:

  • Independence: She can now pay for her own needs and support her loved ones.
  • A Real Career: She turned her education into a professional job in a top location in Nairobi.
  • Endless Gratitude: She is a proud graduate of the foundation and stays thankful for every bit of support she received.

Purity Mayodi is proof that when you educate a child, you give them a new life. She is grateful to the Ngong Road Children Foundation for believing in her when she was starting. Now, she is cooking up a bright future for everyone around her.

May 11, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

Meet Our Secondary Case Managers

Our dedicated Case Managers drive our success as a locally-led organization. They provide essential, one-on-one support throughout a student’s academic life, ensuring that every child has the resources and direction necessary to reach their full potential.

Japheth–Senior Case Manager

Growing up in Kitui County, Japheth felt a clear sense of purpose take root early in his life. His journey is that of a man who views his work not just as a profession, but as a true calling. After completing his degree in Development Studies and Social Work at Mount Kenya University in 2016, Japheth began a career entirely defined by a deep-seated passion for service.

Before stepping into his current role, Japheth spent years in the heart of child development, working with respected organizations like Compassion and ChildFund. These experiences sharpened his versatile toolkit, making skills in teamwork, advocacy, and counseling second nature to him. At the center of his work is a core conviction: that education is the primary engine of empowerment. Japheth believes it is the one thing that can truly break the cycle of poverty for a sponsored child.

As a Secondary Senior Case Manager, Japheth finds his daily reward in witnessing profound transformations. There is a unique satisfaction for him in seeing a child evolve from a place of vulnerability into a confident, empowered individual with a bright future ahead. This progress is achieved through his steady problem-solving and a commitment to walking alongside every student in the program.

Outside of the professional sphere, Japheth’s life finds its rhythm on the soccer pitch. Whether he is playing the game himself or coaching a team, the sport offers a perfect balance to his busy career. For a dedicated advocate like Japheth, life is a blend of strategic teamwork on the field and a lifelong mission to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

Lilian–Junior Case Manager

Lillian’s story is a powerful circle of growth and giving back. Having joined the program as a beneficiary in 2008, she is a living testament to its impact. The support she received over the years did more than just provide an education; it shaped her into the leader she is today, creating a deep bond between her and the community she now serves.

Her professional journey within the organization is marked by a steady rise and a willingness to serve in any capacity. In 2023, Lillian began as a dedicated volunteer in the library and also served as an office assistant, roles that helped her develop a strong sense of responsibility. Her path then led her to the Procurement Department, where she built the technical skills and confidence necessary for a transition into leadership. By 2026, she officially joined the Secondary Department, moving from a program student to a key staff member.

Today, Lillian serves as a Junior Case Manager, overseeing the progress of 51 high school students. Her work is driven by the joy of seeing her students excel academically and successfully transition to post-secondary education. Because she once walked in their shoes, she possesses a unique ability to relate to their challenges and share in their dreams.

For Lillian, this role is more than just a job; it is a meaningful mission. Her firsthand experience as a beneficiary motivates her to support her students wholeheartedly, ensuring that the same program that changed her life continues to open doors for the next generation

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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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100 1st St S #581308
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