Recently, our sponsors Susan Boren and Steve King had the opportunity to visit our campus in Nairobi. Here are Susan’s impressions:
My first visit to the Friends of Ngong Road program in Nairobi was in December of 2019 when I met the three students my husband, Steve King, and I sponsored. It was an inspirational day to meet these young people for the first time and have the opportunity to see their homes and meet their parents/guardians. When I left I really understood how our support was changing lives.
On May 31st of this year, Steve and I visited the program together. So much has changed! New offices, new computer lab, new library, new Blockchain Lab, growth of Karibu Loo, and more students being served. We were overwhelmed by the professionalism of the team and the genuine warmth with which we were received. Steve and I met all of the staff had a chance to see the new library and computer lab (both housed in the Elimu Hub). We meet recent alumni, all of whom introduced themselves as “beneficiaries “ of the program. Â
We support several African charitable organizations, but none are as professional or effectively demonstrate the impact of donors. While the office visit was great and reassuring that there is a holistic support system behind every student. The best part of the day was spending time with Gloria, Faith, Ryan, and David – the students we support. We fed giraffes, visited a snake-rich zoo, enjoyed lunch, went shopping, and visited each family’s homes.
We left with full hearts knowing that our sponsorship support is vital, but only one part of a caring support system that encourages these students to excel. The only sad note to our day was learning that there are 50 students on the website waiting for sponsors…and that’s a small part of those who would be qualified to join.
Thank you to Kelvin, Tunda, and Martha for planning an awesome day!
We hope all of our sponsors can visit the program in Nairobi. See the accompanying article on our next group trip opportunity.
