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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My first month with Friends

Hi Friends,

I’m writing just a little more than one month into helping steward Friends of Ngong Road into its next chapter. Someone asked me today if it feels like I’ve been drinking from a fire hose — which in some ways, is true. But what I’ve found one month in is: although there’s been much I’ve been getting my arms around, what stands out is how this community has put its arms around me.

The top of mind example is our team in Kenya. I had a chance to spend a week with them in August both to get into the weeds on what we’re up to programmatically and to literally run through the weeds (mainly grass!) as part of Saturday program. Of all of the things I could rave about when it comes to our partners in Kenya, here’s what you need to know: their professionalism and diligence is only outdone by the genuine care and commitment they have to each other and our program. I am so grateful to call them partners and colleagues.

Back here in the States, it’s been wonderful and simply just a great time getting to know so many of our supporters. In these first thirty days I’ve met with nearly fifty of our supporters — from Santa Barbara to Chicago to the Twin Cities.

If we haven’t had a chance to meet, let’s find a time! You all are the wind in our sails; the reason we’re able to realize our mission. I’m so grateful for the nearly twenty years of support so many of you have provided, and look forward to meeting many more of you.

Looking ahead, here’s what you should expect from us:

  • As we approach our twentieth anniversary, we’re laying the foundation for the next twenty years. We’ll be reaching out to hear your perspective on how we can continue this work together.
  • We’re also entering our most critical fundraising season. Nearly two decades of transformation have been made possible by your generosity — and continued support will ensure we thrive in the years ahead. If you’ve given at year’s end before, expect to hear from me.
  • Finally, while the world feels uncertain, our commitment does not. Board and staff alike remain steadfast: change in a child’s life happens one day at a time, and you can count on us to be there daily for our students as we grow.

Let me close this post by sharing a conversation I had with one of our former students — now a Ngong Road case manager — Wence during a game of chess (Wence 2; Dan 1, by the way).

He said, “a student asked me today, ‘Who are you without your titles?’ Dan, how would you answer that same question?”

My answer was: we all carry so many titles in how we show up in the world. We all have so many ways we’d like to be seen. But at Friends of Ngong Road, it’s powerful to remember how much positive change can come from just one simple title: Friend.

In friendship,

Dan Fernelius
President, Friends of Ngong Road

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Dan’s Visit to Nairobi

Traveling to Kenya for the first time is an experience that is hard to capture in words. As Paula often says, “we have to get you to Kenya,” and now I fully understand why. The week was remarkable in every way—equal parts energizing, humbling, and inspiring. I return to the U.S. with deep gratitude for what our community of Friends of Ngong Road has built and for the extraordinary team at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), whose professionalism, energy, and commitment to our mission left me so confident in our future.

One of the highlights was attending Saturday Program, where nearly 150 kids gathered for “crazy games.” I joined a relay race involving balloons and, despite being the self-proclaimed “slow American,” my team pulled off the win. These moments of laughter and connection reminded me that our mission is not only about education and opportunity but also about joy, resilience, and community.

In every classroom I visited, every story I heard, and every handshake I received, I saw the tangible impact of your support. This video captures just a fraction of that journey, but I hope it conveys the same sense of awe, gratitude, and possibility that I carried home.

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Best Child Sponsorship Organizations in Africa

Choosing the best child sponsorship organizations is a powerful way to contribute in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. These programs not only provide essential resources like food, education, and healthcare, but they also foster personal connection between children and their sponsors. With so many options available, finding the right organization to support can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you explore the top-rated child sponsorship programs making a real impact today.

Support That Matters: Best Organizations for Child Sponsorship

One standout example of an education charity in Kenya is Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR). We operate a unique and highly effective sponsorship model. Unlike many traditional programs, FoNR goes beyond providing basic needs. We strive to deliver a comprehensive education and career-readiness path for children living in Nairobi’s slums. Through close mentorship, academic support, and post-secondary planning, FoNR empowers students to break the cycle of poverty. This makes it a model worth noting among the best child sponsorship organizations.

best child sponsorship organizations

Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR) places a strong emphasis on long-term outcomes rather than just addressing short-term needs. While many organizations stop at providing immediate relief like food or school fees, FoNR invests in a child’s entire journey. From the start, we nurture children from primary school through to career placement. In doing so, our program is built to ensure students not only stay in school but also gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive as adults. By focusing on education, mentorship, and career development, FoNR prepares children for self-sufficiency and lasting success, ultimately creating real, generational change. Choosing the right child sponsorship program can make all the difference in a child’s life and in the impact of your giving.

As you consider a child sponsorship program, look for one that go beyond basic aid to build real opportunities. With consistent support, sponsored children don’t just survive, they thrive. That’s why choosing NRCF matters. By partnering with us you can become part of the solution that transforms li

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Where to Sponsor a Child’s Education in Kenya.

Where to Sponsor a Child’s Education in Kenya begins with choosing a trusted organization that partners with local communities to support children in need. Many children across the country have a strong desire to get quality education but are unable to access it. This is due to lack of tuition fees, meals and learning materials. Fortunately, the sponsorship programs offered by individuals and organizations have made a significant impact. The sponsorship provides these children with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Ngongroad Children Foundation

Child sponsorship in Africa is one of the most effective ways to support long-term educational development. These programs not only provide financial assistance but offer emotional and social support to the sponsored children. More importantly, it gives them a sense of hope and belonging, knowing that someone believes in their potential.

Start Your Impact Today: Sponsor a Child’s Education in Kenya

If you’re looking to make a lasting difference in a child’s life, Kenya offers several reputable organizations that run child sponsorship programs. These programs allow sponsors to directly support a child’s school fees, learning materials, uniforms, meals or even access to healthcare.

One such organization is Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. We have the vision of connecting children in the slums of Dagoretti with sponsors who are committed to their welfare. These sponsors met their needs as well as encouraging them to achieve their goals in life. By fostering personal connections and long-term partnerships, we aim to create a supportive network that uplifts entire families and communities.

In conclusion, student sponsorship programs are an investment in a child’s future and a powerful act of hope. By connecting compassionate sponsors with children in need, we aim to create lasting change that goes beyond the individual, impacting families and transforming entire communities. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and open doors to education, opportunity, and a brighter tomorrow for every child.

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How to Help Children in Africa Get Education.

Learning how to help children in Africa get education is one of the most powerful ways of making lasting impact in the continent. Many African Countries face challenges like providing quality education and quality healthcare for their children. Additionally, the cycle of poverty continues to be a major setback to many children. However, the right support offered by individuals and organizations, can change the situation. In this article we shall explore actionable ways that can improve education for children in Africa.

In Kenya, various nonprofit organizations, like Ngong Road Children Foundation, support education for children in Kenya. One of the ways they do this is by connecting the children to sponsors. These sponsors help cover their school fees and other essential needs. Moreover, the sponsorship programs not only keep children in school but also prepare them for a better future.. By addressing both financial and social needs ,such initiatives make a real difference in the lives of these children.

how to help children in Africa get education

A guide to help children in Africa get education.

  1. Learn about the challenges that these children face when it comes to accessing quality education. With this, you can make informed decisions about the most effective way to help.
  2. Support credible organizations that provide school supplies, build classrooms, train teachers, and run sponsorship programs.
  3. Directly sponsoring a child with monthly contributions that cover their school fees, meals and learning materials.
  4. Volunteering your time and skills in tutoring and career development.
  5. Using social media to create awareness and encouraging people to be involved in advancing education of Africa Children.

Improving education is an act of love as well as an investment in the future of the child and community. Now that you’ve learned how to help children in Africa get education, consider taking one step today, no matter how small. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and open the door to opportunity, one child at a time!