A Legacy of Hope and Action
From one child’s act of kindness to a movement empowering thousands.
David Omondi, Founder
“I realized that education, especially in STEM, could be the key to unlocking opportunities for children in my community; children who, like me, just needed a chance to dream and thrive.”
David Omondi, Founder
Born from a desire to give back
The Riley Orton Foundation (ROF) was born from a deep desire to give back. Our founder, David Omondi, grew up in the Obunga slum in Kisumu, Kenya, where access to quality education was a privilege few could afford. Thanks to the generosity of well-wishers who believed in his potential, David received a life-changing education. But when he graduated from college, he knew his journey wasn’t just about his success, it was about creating opportunities for others.
Determined to uplift children facing the same struggles he once did, David returned to Obunga and established Akili Library in 2010, an after-school study center where children could access books, receive homework support, and dream beyond their circumstances. Seeing how deeply girls were impacted by educational barriers, he founded the Akili School, an all-girls primary school ensuring they had equal opportunities to learn and thrive.
Akili Library
An after-school study center opens in Obunga.
Akili School
An all-girls primary school is founded.
A name with meaning
The organization registers as a Kenyan nonprofit, named after Riley Orton.
STEM and AI
Transforming education for underserved children, especially girls.
The boy who inspired our name
As David and his team worked to register their organization as a Kenyan nonprofit in 2013, inspiration struck from an unexpected source; an 8-year-old boy named Riley Orton from Sonoma County, California, USA.
David came across a Facebook post about Riley, who had been raising books, school supplies, and funds for African children since he was just five years old. What amazed David and his team wasn’t just the generosity of this young boy, but his deep awareness of global inequalities at such a young age. While they had taken years of education and life experiences to realize the importance of giving back, here was Riley proving that age, wealth, or power were not prerequisites for change. All it took was a willing heart and action.
Deeply moved, David reached out to Riley and his parents. He learned that Riley had started small; donating his own pens and books, organizing supply drives, selling salamis, and rallying support for underserved students. That spirit of determination and generosity became the foundation of our work. With the blessing of Riley and his family, the organization was named the Riley Orton Foundation to honor his incredible impact and carry forward his legacy of hope and action.
Riley Orton, Sonoma County, California
See the story for yourself
Where we are today
Today, ROF is at the forefront of transforming education for underserved children, especially girls, through STEM and AI-powered learning. We work hand in hand with local schools, teachers, and communities to break barriers to education and equip young minds with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world.
From one child’s act of kindness to a movement empowering thousands, ROF is proof that real change starts with those willing to act.