Compelled by love. Moved to Act.

CompACTION

“And Jesus was moved with compassion.”

Over and over in the Gospels, Jesus didn’t just feel compassion, He acted on it. He healed the sick. He fed the hungry. He sat with the outcast. He called others to join Him.

At Torchgrab Africa, we call that CompACTION. Our love for Jesus moves us to act.

A group of school children wearing colorful uniforms standing in line, with one young boy looking directly at the camera.

Giving Children a hope and a future

We believe that breaking the cycle of poverty starts with a focus on kids.

At Torchgrab Africa, we care for the whole child. That means making sure every child we support is healthy, safe, supported and challenged, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

We meet their needs right now, like food, care, encouragement, and we invest in their future through education, vocational training, and mentorship.

But the most important thing we offer is hope in Jesus. Because while poverty brings real challenges, we believe eternal hope is found in Him.

Group of school children wearing navy blue uniforms, raising their hands, and singing or cheering outdoors.

We’re dreaming big for the decade ahead. Through innovative programs and dedicated partnerships, we are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming communities.

See where we’re headed—and how you can be part of it.

2030 Vision

Students Attending Petra School on the Rock

1,300

Percentage of Class 8 students passing the KCPE exam

100%

Meals Served to Petra Students Each Year

220,000

Our History

Torchgrab Africa began in 2008 with a mission to bring hope and a brighter future to vulnerable children in Africa. Founded by Dr. Claudia Porter, with the support of her husband, Dr. Bruce Porter, Torchgrab Africa focuses on two essential needs of children in the slums: a relationship with Jesus and access to quality education. Through education and ministry initiatives, we empower children to thrive spiritually, academically, and physically.

In 2018, a pivotal partnership was formed when Dr. Claudia Porter connected with Hellen Nguthiru at a Christian women’s conference organized by Faith Ministries International Network (FMIN). Introduced by FMIN founder Bonnie Duell, the two bonded over their shared passion for education and serving vulnerable children. This connection led to a partnership between Petra School on the Rock and Torchgrab Africa, with a united vision to inspire future leaders through education, Christian ministry, and global citizenship.

Today, Hellen Nguthiru leads Torchgrab Africa’s programs on the ground in Kenya, managing school operations and supporting staff, while Dr. Claudia Porter serves as the full-time Executive Director in Denver, Colorado. Together, they work to create lasting impact in the lives of children and their communities.

Two women smiling and posing together in an indoor setting. One woman has short blonde hair, wearing a denim dress and holding a water bottle. The other woman has long curly black hair, wearing a black top and colorful skirt. They are standing close to each other with a bright window in the background.
Four women and one man standing together, smiling, against a cream-colored wall.

Our Commitment to Local Leadership

At Torchgrab Africa, we strive to elevate the voices of local leaders who are at the forefront of every project we support. We are proud to work alongside local leaders, builders, engineers, teachers, and other development experts who are from the communities we serve. Together, we aim to create lasting change and build a brighter future for all.

A young girl in a red school uniform bows her head and clutches the blue bars of a fence, appearing to pray or reflect while other children stand nearby.
A group of young girls in red and white school uniforms standing outdoors.
Young girl in a red jacket and school uniform standing among older children in school uniforms with plaid skirts, while an adult holds her arm.

Torchgrab Africa’s work has been featured on and honored by:

Colorful globe with the word 'JOY' painted in red and purple, and the word 'INTERNATIONAL' below.
A logo with two crossed arrows, a mountain at the top, the letters F and M on each side, and the word Denver in the center.
Logo of Colorado Christian University featuring a shield with an open book and cross, text reading 'Colorado Christian University' and 'Grace and Truth'.
Emblem of Promise Christian University College & Seminary, featuring a gold cross above an open book with a dove, surrounded by a blue circle with yellow text.