Nadine Griffey Academy of Kenya – Students’ Stories of Inspiration

The Nadine Griffey Academy of Kenya, a California-based nonprofit named after president and VCCF fundholder Larry Hines’ late wife, is changing the lives of children through the power of education. The academy honors the memory of Nadine in her passion for teaching and children, and they have many success stories of students whose pursuit of their educational goals is breaking the cycle of poverty in Kenya. Read the stories of success, written by Larry.

The Nadine Griffey Academy of Kenya is a California nonprofit corporation and an IRC Section 501(c)(3) charity. The formation of a board of directors and initial planning began in 2007 as a way of honoring my late wife, Nadine, who was a respected teacher with a passion for children.

While visiting Kenya, I was struck by the abject poverty and incredible squalor I witnessed in both the Mathare and Kibera slums of Nairobi. On my return, I gathered like-minded friends and together we dreamed of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for selected orphans who were living in these wretched conditions, without hope or opportunity.

In 2011, we selected a number of students from the slums, grades 3-5, and placed them into various pre-screened, private boarding schools. The Academy paid all expenses for each child, including tuition, room and board, uniforms and play clothing, bedding and medical insurance. Our Kenya Advisory Board, “boots-on-the-ground,” provides ongoing support, communication and intervention for each child as needed. Periodic social gatherings with our Kenyan board members are also a significant part of making our children feel like we are a family.

As the sponsored students finish primary school, we continue our funding and secure places for them at top secondary schools. We encourage each one to dream a big dream. Following graduation from high school, we extend our support to the university or trade school level, depending on each student’s previous academic success.

So how are we doing?

Joyce Ngaare recently graduated from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa School of Law with a Bachelor of Laws and is awaiting the results of her bar exam. She is also fluent in Chinese and hopes to integrate this into her law career. (Joined 2011)

Lydia Ayiechia graduated from a two-year program at the Nairobi Mount Kenya University with a paralegal diploma. (Joined 2011)

Diana Akoth Owino graduated from the University of Nairobi School of Education with a Bachelor of Education. She has done some teaching and is now working on an international teaching certificate. (Joined 2011)

Benard Ndeda graduated from the Technical University of Mombasa with a Bachelor of Science Information Technology. He is now working as an IT specialist. (Joined 2011)

Benson Wairimu is enrolled in the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies. He will graduate in March 2025 with a certificate in electrical engineering. (Joined 2011)

Samuel Obita is now in his fourth year at the Kenyatta University School of Medicine. His goal is to be a surgeon. (Joined 2014)

Lewis Muchiri is now in his fourth year at Chuka University in Nairobi. He will graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Development for social work. (Joined 2014)

Augustine Kamau is now in his fourth year at WAKA CMEC and will graduate in 2025 with a degree in perioperative theater technology for nursing. (Joined 2014)

It has been an amazing success story to this point, and it’s not over yet!

We added two boys and two girls to our primary program in 2023. They are all attending Musa Gitau Primary School. We plan to select another four orphans in early 2026. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY THROUGH EDUCATION. That is what we are all about and it is our passion. To learn more or donate, visit our website nadinegriffeyacademy.com