Friends of Angaza Nuru partners with the families of Bodoi, Kenya, to promote education, address food insecurity, and build relationships, while illuminating the path with Christian love.

“Angaza Nuru” is Kiswahili for “Illuminate.” Matthew 4:16 reads: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Angaza Nuru’s mission is to work hand-in-hand with our brothers and sisters in Kenya as we strive to fight hunger, alleviate poverty and promote education.

Our story started with Rev. Richard Oyaro, who planted a church in the village of Lower Bodoi, near Mombasa. The Bodoi Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) still serves not only as a place of worship, but also as the hub of the village. After hearing of the poverty in the village, Rev Oyaro’s daughter Judy Achieng, along with her brother Joseph Oyaro, started a Saturday feeding program in 2011 which expanded to a Nursery School that met in the church and taught children basic reading and writing.

Starting in 2012, Priest Lake Presbyterian Church (PLPC) began funding the weekly feeding program in Lower Bodoi. The feeding program has now expanded to include 450 children weekly and includes Bible study, group activities, an agricultural club, and sports teams!

Also starting in 2012, the ministry began providing scholarships for students to attend area primary schools. The scholarship program has expanded to include over 300 students and now covers local primary and secondary schools as well as the Angaza Nuru School.

Before our ministry began, higher education was a dim possibility for the children of Bodoi. Now hundreds of children are educated each year, with many graduating to secondary school and beyond.

In 2022, the PLPC leadership team decided to form a new 501(c)3 organization called Friends of Angaza Nuru, Inc. Our organization was chartered in September of 2022 and we achieved our 501(c)3 status in 2023.

Learn more about our programs below: