Empowering the Next Generation of Mathare Valley

About Us

Our Story.

Founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, over 20 years ago, the Mercy Care Centre Foundation (MCCF) serves as a vital bridge to the Mathare Valley of Kenya. We act as the nucleus for several Christian schools, working tirelessly to raise the funds and awareness necessary to feed and educate children who need it most. Our mission is to collaborate with local schools to nourish both the minds and bodies of our students, driven by a vision of an empowered generation equipped to overcome any challenge and enrich society.

Why Mathare Valley?

The Mathare Valley is one of Nairobi’s oldest informal settlements, where around 600,000 people reside within just three square miles. In a community where most families live on less than a dollar a day in small tin shanties without electricity or running water, our schools stand as a light of hope. We provide a safe, loving environment where children are fed, educated, and shown the love of God through their teachers. By providing a primary certificate, we give these children the essential tools to build a better future away from the cycles of poverty and hardship.

What Guides Us.

Our work is rooted in the recognition of unique gifts, celebrating the diverse strengths each supporter brings to our shared goal. We believe in wholehearted contribution, dedicating our prayers, time, and resources to transform lives in the Mathare Valley. This mission thrives on active participation, where deep engagement leads to more profound ministry and stronger community bonds. Above all, we maintain a culture of authenticity, ensuring that openness, honesty, and accountability remain at the center of every life we touch.

Our School

  • A large group of young African school children seated on the floor in a classroom, with some standing, supervised by teachers or staff, with colorful wall paintings and a Kenyan map and anthem poster in the background.

    A Sanctuary of Learning

    The New Mercy Care Centre Academy (NMCCA) is a non-denominational Primary and Junior Secondary School located in the heart of Mathare Valley. In a community facing immense hardship, our school serves as a light of hope—a safe and loving environment where children are nourished, educated, and experience God's love through the mentorship of dedicated teachers.

  • A two-story building with a painted mural of children on the wall, labeled 'Junior Secondary School,' with people, including children and adults, walking nearby on a dirt path.

    Growth and Sustainability

    Through the generosity of our sponsors, MCCF purchased our school property in 2015, eliminating monthly rent and creating a permanent home for our students. The facility has since grown into a three-story center for excellence. Beyond standard classrooms, our building now features a dedicated indoor play area, a science and computer lab, and vocational spaces for sewing classes to teach essential life skills.

  • A young boy wearing a gray beanie and a gray sweater is sitting at a wooden desk, coloring a large printed poster with the words 'SCORED REBEL SO' and a drawing of a lion.

    Academic Excellence

    NMCCA currently serves students from Pre-School through Grade 9. Our teachers follow the official Kenyan Government curriculum, ensuring that students are fully prepared to sit for National Exams. While we strive for the school to be self-supporting, the dire economic circumstances of Mathare Valley mean many parents cannot afford even minimal fees. We bridge this gap to ensure no child is denied an education due to poverty.

  • Two young boys standing close together, one with arm around the other's shoulder, posing for a photo outdoors against a bright orange wall with a colorful geometric mural.

    Beyond the Classroom

    Our impact extends beyond the standard school week through our Saturday Kickstart Program. Open to both our students and children from the wider community, this program is a weekly highlight featuring outdoor games, Bible stories, and snacks. It is a vital time of joy and spiritual growth that strengthens the bonds within the Mathare Valley community. We also seek to provide additional educational opportunities to further equip our students for success.

Ways to Give

Make an Impact Today

Invest in a Child’s Future Every contribution makes a tangible difference in Mathare Valley.

One hundred percent of every gift given to MCCF goes directly to the children and is tax-deductible.

Our foundation is administered by a dedicated board of volunteers, ensuring your support reaches those who need it most.

Testimonials

My time at the New Mercy Care Centre Academy was "a step into a new world.” The attention the children gave us immediately touched me with their warmth and great desire to learn. The Academy’s faculty were attentive and kind towards the children’s needs. I take my hat off to all who bring beams of hope and expand their potential at New Mercy Care Centre Academy. 

— - Vernessa Foelix
Two young children holding eggs and cups inside a classroom with other children in the background.

I have now been to Nairobi with the Browns 4 times over 12 years. I believe the current NMCCA faculty feels like the most cohesive one and the one with the most dedication and vision I can remember. Their excitement about the future and their goals for their students are truly inspiring. I hope we can help them grow and serve even more students with the same level of excellence.

— Miriam Sauls
A classroom with students wearing school uniforms seated around a table with computers and laboratory glassware.

New Mercy Care Centre is an incredible educational opportunity for children living in the direst of circumstances. The teachers and children have such dedication and determination to make their lives and the lives of others full of opportunity. They changed my perception - there is nothing too hard to overcome. They are my
heroes. 

— Belva Shelor
A young child with brown skin and big eyes, wearing a gray knit hat and a blue jacket, smiling at the camera in a crowded indoor setting with other children in the background.