Friends of Ngong Road

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

  • Our Work
    • Our Programs
    • Education
    • Health and Well-Being
    • Supportive Community
      • Camp
      • Employment Programs
        • Techmates Program
      • Karibu Loo
    • Awards
  • Our Story
    • 20th Anniversary
    • Our Outcomes
    • Who We Are
      • Board of Directors
      • US Staff
      • Kenya Staff
    • Financials, Tax, and Policies
    • Careers
  • Login
  • Support

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 Washingtone Aura Leave a Comment

Best in Children’s Welfare

In 2024 we were nominated NGO Awards: Best in Children’s Welfare.

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

May 6, 2026 By Fammy Masiza Leave a Comment

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!

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 110
  • Next Page »

News Categories

  • 2024 December (6)
  • Achievement Story (9)
  • Acknowledgement (13)
  • Awards (4)
  • Camp (20)
  • Child Story (113)
  • Guardian Story (1)
  • News (476)
    • Covid-19 (13)
    • Elimu Hub (3)
    • Events (13)
    • KLL (5)
    • Newsletter (177)
      • 2016 Summer (5)
      • 2016 Winter (6)
      • 2017 December (7)
      • 2017 February (5)
      • 2017 June (9)
      • 2017 September (6)
      • 2018 February (7)
      • 2018 May (8)
      • 2018 October (5)
      • 2019 January (7)
      • 2019 July (3)
      • 2019 November (5)
      • 2020 December (4)
      • 2020 March (1)
      • 2021 (1)
      • 2021 December (7)
      • 2021 September (8)
      • 2021 Summer (8)
      • 2022 (3)
      • 2022 December (5)
      • 2022 June (4)
      • 2022 March (7)
      • 2022 September (7)
      • 2023 June (8)
      • 2023 March (8)
      • 2023 September (5)
      • 2024 june (5)
      • 2024 March (6)
      • 2024 september (6)
      • Q1 2021 (4)
    • Sponsor story (3)
  • Our Impact Story (17)
  • Podcast (4)
  • Press (13)
  • Programs (52)
  • Update (155)

News Archive

  • May 2026 (6)
  • April 2026 (7)
  • March 2026 (5)
  • February 2026 (3)
  • January 2026 (4)
  • November 2025 (5)
  • October 2025 (7)
  • September 2025 (8)
  • August 2025 (19)
  • July 2025 (4)
  • June 2025 (4)
  • May 2025 (8)
  • April 2025 (5)
  • March 2025 (5)
  • February 2025 (4)
  • January 2025 (1)
  • December 2024 (9)
  • November 2024 (4)
  • October 2024 (5)
  • September 2024 (9)
  • August 2024 (5)
  • July 2024 (3)
  • June 2024 (9)
  • May 2024 (6)
  • April 2024 (4)
  • March 2024 (10)
  • February 2024 (6)
  • January 2024 (4)
  • December 2023 (12)
  • November 2023 (7)
  • October 2023 (6)
  • September 2023 (16)
  • August 2023 (10)
  • July 2023 (7)
  • June 2023 (15)
  • May 2023 (9)
  • April 2023 (7)
  • March 2023 (17)
  • February 2023 (5)
  • January 2023 (4)
  • December 2022 (11)
  • September 2022 (6)
  • August 2022 (2)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • June 2022 (8)
  • April 2022 (2)
  • March 2022 (9)
  • February 2022 (1)
  • December 2021 (9)
  • November 2021 (1)
  • September 2021 (8)
  • August 2021 (1)
  • July 2021 (7)
  • June 2021 (1)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • March 2021 (5)
  • December 2020 (4)
  • November 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (4)
  • March 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (1)
  • November 2019 (3)
  • October 2019 (1)
  • September 2019 (1)
  • July 2019 (4)
  • January 2019 (4)
  • December 2018 (4)
  • October 2018 (3)
  • September 2018 (2)
  • July 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • April 2018 (2)
  • March 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (5)
  • January 2018 (3)
  • December 2017 (5)
  • November 2017 (3)
  • October 2017 (1)
  • September 2017 (7)
  • August 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (7)
  • May 2017 (5)
  • March 2017 (1)
  • February 2017 (5)
  • January 2017 (3)
  • December 2016 (1)
  • November 2016 (6)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (2)
  • August 2016 (4)
  • July 2016 (9)
  • June 2016 (8)
  • May 2016 (9)
  • April 2016 (3)
  • March 2016 (1)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (5)
  • November 2015 (1)
  • September 2015 (2)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • February 2015 (1)
  • January 2015 (9)
  • October 2014 (10)
  • February 2014 (1)
  • January 2014 (5)
  • May 2012 (1)
  • April 2011 (1)
  • November 2010 (1)
  • October 2010 (1)

FRIENDS OF NGONG ROAD &
NGONG ROAD CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION

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.

our work

Our Programs
Education
Health & Well-being
Supportive Community
Camp
Employment
Awards
Karibu Loo

our story

Our Outcomes
About Us
Our Team
Financials, Tax, & Policies
Careers
Latest News
Privacy Policy

get involved

Become a Friend
Here We Go
Wepowerment Legacy Circle
Friend Portal & Login
20th Anniversary Event

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

contact us

Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458


(612) 568-4211
info@ngongroad.org


EIN: 20-4690846

Ngong Road Children's Foundation
PO Box 1765-00502
Karen, Nairobi, Kenya


0792-745-612 (Mobile)
info@NRCFKenya.org


Covenant Guest House Road, gate no.9


© 2026 · Friends of Ngong Road, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit