Hello, Friends of Ngong Road,
It’s back to school for our students
This year started on a good note with the primary and secondary students reporting back to school in January after 9 months of staying at home. We supported students to safely go back to school by providing school supplies including face masks and hand sanitizers. Post-secondary students also resumed school for in-person learning after a term of online learning.
It is a unique year for students in Kenya due to the four terms instead of the usual three terms. This means students will be in school for longer in order to catch up on the lost terms in 2020. The students are happy to be back in school and they are faring well. Case Managers have started monitoring and evaluating (school visits) and the student progress is good. Schools will be closing by the 19th of March as the candidates (Class 8 and Form 4) sit for their national examinations. This is also a change from the norm where usually students sit for national exams in November. This year they will transition to the next grade level in July instead of January.
COVID In Kenya
We have experienced a low COVID positivity rate since the beginning of the year. However, the ministry of health is warning of a possible third wave in March with the new variant of the Virus. The good news is that the first dose of vaccine arrived on 2nd March and is targeted for 1M frontline workers including health care workers. The current restriction being enforced include; a dusk to dawn curfew, a ban on public and social gatherings, overnight vigil or events being prohibited, public vehicles carrying 60% capacity, a non-essential visit to schools being prohibited, and extracurricular activities such as inter-school sports being prohibited. These measures will be reviewed on 12th March by the president. We are glad that only one of our students has been infected by the virus so far (without serious illness) and we continue to sensitize them to stay safe and observe ministry guidelines
Students continue to succeed
NRCF continues its transformation mission of ensuring alumni get jobs and break the poverty cycle. Our most recent alumni to get a job is Christine who recently got employed as a sales representative at Umash Funeral Parlor. It is definitely a tough working environment for her but it is an opportunity for her to gain some experience as well as transform her life. Also, our first female law graduate, Elizabeth, secured an internship with R. W. Mbanya Advocates where she will be able to gain experience in her field of study.
Looking ahead
We have plans in place to engage students during the upcoming April-long holiday break. Plans are underway for Life Skills, SRH, and mental health awareness workshops. We remain committed to the mission of transforming lives and are grateful to all donors and sponsors who support the mission.
Kelvin Thuku
Program Manager
Ngong Road Children’s Foundation
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