Friends of Ngong Road in the news!
We are pleased that occasionally Friends of Ngong Road receives some coverage in the press.
A few of the most recent stories are:
“Executive Volunteers Bring Professional Moxie to NonProfits.” The Middle Stages: women reimagine midlife, January 3, 2015.
Back in 2006, when she was 52 years old, financial services executive Paula Meyer read a book that changed her life — and launched her into founding a nonprofit organization that is changing the world, one child at a time. The book, Just Enough by Harvard University professors Laura Nash and Howard Stevenson, posits that the most balanced people among successful “high achievers” integrate four aspects of their lives: happiness, achievement, significance and legacy.
Meyer was happy and had achieved much in her career; her family and volunteer work added significance to her life. But legacy, “leaving something that endures after you are gone,” was not yet part of her personal and professional portfolio.
Then she went to Africa.
“Rippleside students help Kenyans.” Aitkin Independant Age, Saturday, February 15, 2014.
Rippleside third graders, members of an American Girl Reading Club, were inspired by books from the Addy series and decided to make a difference for Kenyan students. After reading the true story of Addy Walker, a black girl born into slavery, the four, Teagan Piecek and Kayli Bill, along with Teagan’s mom Jen and Rippleside teacher Kayla Hinkemeyer, wanted to do something culturally-based to expose others to the needs of people in other parts of the world.
“STAR CLASS: Africa Orphan Benefactor said ‘yes’ to making a difference.” Mason City Globe Gazette, May 6, 2012.
Paula Meyer could have written a check and called it a day. It would have been easier. But Meyer, of rural St. Ansgar, opted to not take the easy route, and today the lives of more than 300 African children have improved as a result. Meyer was the keynote speaker at the annual Star Class event Sunday at North Iowa Area Community College. Read more:
http://globegazette.com/news/local/star-class-africa-orphan-benefactor-said-yes-to-making-a/article_8c6166c6-97fb-11e1-8092-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1uxa9dVAq
Check out the full text of Paula’s speech, Saying Yes.
“From Mitchell County to Kenya.” Mitchell County Press News, April 12, 2011.
For Mitchell County resident Paula Meyer, it all started during a family trip to Kenya in 2005. On this visit, Meyer met a gentleman by the name of Peter Ndungu of Nairobi, Kenya. She stated when she first met Peter he shared his sadness about the children in Nairobi, especially the children living along Ngong Road.
“Familiar Road, Luther Grad’s Organization Leads to Life-changing Futures for Kenyan Children.” The Story, Luther Seminary Press, Fall 2010.
It is a road that Peter Ndungu has been down before. Orphaned and left to fend for himself in Nairobi’s largest slum when he was 11, he was all too familiar with the path of countless children who have no hope of a better future.
St. Paul Pioneer Press, October 31, 2010.
The knock on the hotel room door in Kenya that would significantly change Paula Meyer’s life came as the then-Twin Cities corporate executive and family members rushed to pack and catch a plane back home from a safari vacation. View Full Story
“Regents chair Paula Meyer ’76 brings hope to orphans in Kenya.” Luther News, March 6, 2009.
The history of the founding of Friends of Ngong Road and the participation on Luther grads Paula Meyer, Sue Tjornehoj and Keith Kale.
“Vacationing in Generosity.” Coast Magazine, December 11, 2008.
Philanthropic travelers can have it all – opulent surroundings, stunning sites and a chance to make a difference.
Sussex Sun (Wisconsin), May 30, 2007. Leah Jensen sponsors “Kenya Palooza” in support of Friends of Ngong Road.