This 2-minute video almost feels like you rode along with the kids to Grammar Camp — a day at Stedmak Gardens. (“Grammar” in this context refers to the students’ age — 4th – 6th grade)!
Thank you from our team in Kenya
As we head into this week of Thanksgiving in the United States, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be part of this community—spread across continents, connected by a shared belief in the potential of young people in Nairobi.
The video below captures something I saw so clearly when I visited Nairobi: the extraordinary dedication of our team and the real impact your support makes in the lives of students. Our team in Kenya is the heart of our work. They lead our mission and turn your investment into impact every day.
From all of us at Friends of Ngong Road, and especially from our team in Nairobi: thank you for being part of this mission, for believing in our students, and for fueling the realization of potential, both for our students and our work overall.
One of Minnesota’s Largest Foundations Supports Friends of Ngong Road with a $200,000 grant
OCTOBER 20, 2025
Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR) is honored to announce a $200,000 grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) in support of organizational capacity building. This generous support marks a meaningful milestone in our nearly twenty-year journey to empower children in Nairobi’s informal settlements through education, support, and opportunity.
MACP, one of the nation’s largest private philanthropies, is guided by a clear vision: to make a meaningful difference in the world through support for work in communities, the environment, arts and culture, disaster relief, and quality of life. Their support of Friends of Ngong Road affirms both the importance of our mission and the promise of our next chapter of growth.
For Friends, capacity building means strengthening the systems, infrastructure, and leadership that make our student-centered model sustainable. It’s the kind of support that helps us develop momentum while we build—ensuring that as we expand access to education, healthcare, and employment pathways, we do so with stability and sustainability.
This is the first time Friends of Ngong Road has received funding from a major institutional foundation, and it signals growing recognition of our proven results. Since 2006, Friends has served hundreds of students, and nearly three-quarters of our alumni are now employed. That track record—and the resilience of our students and staff—has created both measurable outcomes and deep, community-based change.
We are deeply grateful to Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies for believing in our mission and helping to strengthen its foundation. Their partnership represents not only a financial commitment but a powerful vote of confidence in what Friends of Ngong Road stands for: that every child, no matter where they begin, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Child Sponsorship in Kenya
Giving Tuesday: Support a Child Today.
Child sponsorship in Kenya is not just a donation, it’s a personal connection that can shift the course of a child’s life. In the informal settlements of Nairobi, sponsorship means much more than access to school supplies or daily meals. In fact, it often gives a child a voice, a mentor, and a renewed sense of hope. After all, behind every sponsorship is a real story, filled with resilience and quiet impact of someone choosing to care.
One of the most effective ways to create lasting change is to donate to Kenyan education initiatives that reach children in underserved areas. These donations do not only cover school fees but also provide uniforms and daily meals that keep children in school. As a result, students who might have dropped out in primary school advance their education even up to college. When you donate, you’re not just funding education you’re investing in futures. This causes a ripple effect to the community and the nation.
Understanding Child Sponsorship in Kenya
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities and support meaningful causes. Instead of shopping, people are invited to donate, volunteer, or simply show kindness. Whether it’s funding education in Kenya or supporting a local shelter, Giving Tuesday is all about using generosity to spark real change. We invite you this year, to be part of the life-changing participation.
Giving Tuesday is the best time to support a child in Kenya because it amplifies the impact of your generosity. On this global day of giving, many organizations offer matching donations, covering school fees, supplies, meals, and even mentorship programs. It’s also a moment when the world comes together to focus on compassion and community. By choosing to give on this day, you’re not only supporting a child’s education, you’re joining a global movement that believes every child deserves a chance to thrive. Donate today, become a child’s hero.
Fun and Fitness At Our Exciting Olympics Day
Last Saturday, our Saturday program hosted an exciting Olympics Day celebration. Children from Ngong Road children’s foundation came together to enjoy athletic competition and make lasting memories.The day started with a healthy meal to give the kids energy for the activities ahead. Then, they were divided into two teams to compete in a series of fun and challenging events.
The highlight of the day was the steeplechase relay races. The kids showed off their agility and determination in the 100-meter race, and the excitement grew as the distances got longer. The 200-meter race pushed the participants to go the extra mile, both physically and mentally. And the 400-meter race was a true test of endurance and teamwork. Amidst the exciting races, we added a fun twist with the “tunnel game.” This game brought surprise and helped the kids learn to trust and work together. Their laughter filled the air as they went through the tunnels, finding happiness in teamwork to tackle the challenges.
After the races, the kids had a chance to relax and play some games. They played cornhole, which requires precision and strategic thinking. They laughed and high-fived each other as they showed off their skills.The day ended with a snack and a sense of accomplishment. The kids had made new friends, pushed themselves to their limits, and had a lot of fun.Olympics Day was a success because it brought together kids from different schools and gave them a chance to compete and have fun. It also showed the power of teamwork and friendship. The kids will remember this day for years to come.
We are especially grateful to our donors for providing the funding that made this event possible. Your generosity allows us to provide the kids with healthy meals, equipment, and prizes. We could not have done it without you! We would also like to thank our volunteers for their time and dedication. Your hard work made Olympics Day a reality. You helped to set up and tear down, run the events, and cheer on the kids. We appreciate your support more than you know! We are always looking for volunteers and donations to support our Saturday program. If you would like to get involved, please visit our website or contact us at info@nrcfkenya.org