Note from Paula – December 2020

December is a busy time of the year for all non-profit organizations, and Friends of Ngong Road is no exception. Like most U.S. non-profits, note that we raise a disproportionate amount of our annual budget in the 4th quarter and next year always goes better when we end this year strong. Our focus is on raising $75,000 to meet the Truscott match for our Annual Appeal – if you haven’t yet had a chance to donate, please click here to make a gift today. 

In Kenya, our team is working at full throttle to prepare to get all students back to in-person school on January 4. Uniforms, school supplies, and books are being purchased and school fees are being paid. Seeking new office in Nairobi as current space unfit. Aiming to relocate by early 2021 for improved suitability.

With your help, it is key to note that we fed 300 program families daily between April and year-end. This was a big undertaking, organized as the world quickly evolved with the onset of COVID-19. We raised the necessary funds to pay for food and used a partner church as a safe distribution facility. When students return to school in January, families will face less financial stress and we expect to move to our more standard approach to family food aid – giving food packets as needed to families in the most challenging situations.

The Friends of Ngong Road board of directors recently affirmed our 5-year strategy to “double our impact”. By the end of 2024, we aim to have over 1000 Kenyan youth embarking on a life transformation journey. Just today, I got an update on Mercy, sponsored faithfully by one Twin Cities couple since 2008. Mercy has just completed her 3-year coursework to become a nurse. She will take two days of exams in January and April, after which she will earn her nursing license. It will ensure her to secure permanent employment. The school she attended is managed by a hospital, and she may have the opportunity to work there. Kenya needs qualified nurses and Mercy is on her way!

We express our gratitude to the donors and supporters who have made this work possible through numerous similar life stories. While the pandemic and other challenges will continue, we have learned that when young people have hope for a better future, many of them find a way to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles! Together, our job is to just give them a chance. Thank you and best wishes for a happy holiday season!