Ngong Road Children's Foundation

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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.

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 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 student of the program 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

Here We Go: 50 More Students Officially Start Their Journey!

The wait is finally over! At the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), we are so excited to announce that our second group of 50 students has officially joined the program and will be heading to school this May.

Following our first successful intake in January, this new group brings even more life, energy, and hope to our community. The “Here We Go” campaign is moving full speed ahead!

Ready for the First Day

Joining a new school can be a big step, but our new students are ready for the challenge. To help them start with confidence, we have made sure every child is fully equipped. Each student has received:

  • New School Uniforms: So they can feel proud and ready to learn.
  • Essential Supplies: Backpacks, books, and pens to fill their desks.
  • A Support System: A community of staff and mentors who are cheering them on every step of the way.

Turning Dreams into Reality

These 50 children were previously on our waitlist, holding onto their big dreams while waiting for an opportunity. Now, those dreams are officially kicking off. By joining the NRCF family, these students aren’t just getting an education; they are getting a pathway to a better life and future employment.

Moving Forward Together

The “Here We Go” campaign is all about momentum. We believe that no child should have to wait to learn, and seeing these 50 students head to class this May is a huge win for everyone involved.

We want to say a big thank you to our supporters who make this possible. Because of you, “waiting” has officially turned into “starting.”

Here we go!

Finding Your North: The 2026 Career Camp

Coming to the end of high school is an exciting time, but it can also be a little scary. For many of our students, it is the first time they have to truly ask themselves, “What comes next?”

This April, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) took our recent graduates to the beautiful Lake Oloiden Flamingo Camp in Naivasha. The theme was “Finding Your North,” and it was about much more than just picking a job—it was about finding hope and direction.

A Shared Journey with Friends

The camp wasn’t just a place for lessons; it was a place for connection. We were so happy to be joined by Naomi and Leslie, two of our friends from the US. Their presence meant so much to the students. Seeing people travel from halfway across the world just to sit and listen to their dreams made the students feel truly seen and valued.

There were many emotional moments as students sat by the lake, sharing their fears and their triumphs. Having Naomi and Leslie there to offer a hug or a word of wisdom added a special layer of love to the whole experience.

Learning from Those Who Walked the Path

The heart of the camp was the “Buddy System.” Older students who are already in college or university came back to mentor the younger ones.

These conversations were deeply moving. The older “Buddies” shared honest stories about the struggles of campus life and how they stayed strong. You could see the relief on the faces of the younger graduates as they realized they weren’t alone. One student mentioned that they arrived feeling lost, but left with a “quiet confidence,” knowing they have a whole community behind them.

More Than Just Meetings

While there were serious talks about leadership and “grit,” there was also plenty of laughter. The team-building games, like the egg toss and soccer matches, helped everyone let loose.

Highlights of the week included:

  • A Game Drive: Seeing the wildlife at Hell’s Gate National Park was a first for many and a great way to bond.
  • Movie Night: Watching Taare Zameen Par reminded everyone that every person has a unique talent.
  • The Best Part: Everyone went for a swim! It was the perfect way to make new friends and relax after a long day of learning.

A Safe Place to Grow

Living in tents on the shores of Lake Naivasha provided a peaceful break from the busy city life of Nairobi. With healthy meals and a safe environment, the students could focus entirely on their future.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 PS Career Camp was a huge success. The students returned home not just with more information, but with stronger hearts. They now know that no matter where their “North” leads them, they have the tools and the family to get there.

We want to say a big thank you to our donors and sponsors. Because of you, 17 graduates now have a much clearer path to their future. You didn’t just fund a camp; you helped a young person find their way.

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 cut, proving that the spirit of our community is unshakable.

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