Archives for September 2024

September 25, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Zen Garden Charity Padel Tournament that Transformed Lives at NRCF

In a vibrant display of community spirit and philanthropy, Zen Garden recently hosted a charity padel tournament that not only showcased competitive spirit but also aimed to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The event, held on 7th September, brought together avid padel enthusiasts, sponsors, and supporters, all rallying behind a common cause: supporting Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. The atmosphere at Zen Garden was electric as participants gathered for a day of intense competition and camaraderie. Padel enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned players to newcomers eager to contribute, took to the courts with passion and determination. Each swing of the racket echoed a commitment to making a positive impact, beyond the confines of the game itself. Behind the tournament’s exhilarating matches lay a deeper purpose: to raise funds in support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. This foundation, renowned for its dedication to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education and holistic support programs, became the focal point of the event’s charitable efforts.

Impactful Contributions and Generosity

Participants and sponsors alike demonstrated extraordinary generosity. Their contributions, whether through registration fees, sponsorships, or donations, formed the financial backbone of the event. The event raised over 300K and every penny raised went directly towards empowering children with educational opportunities, healthcare support, and mentorship, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

As the echoes of the tournament fade, its impact continues to resonate. The funds raised will enable the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation to expand its reach, touching the lives of more children in need. The event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and when a community comes together for a noble cause.

Join us in our next fundraising event on 25th October at Zen Garden from 6 pm.

September 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Coding bootcamp created more “Techies”

This year we have had multiple coding bootcamps for our students, including the recent high school graduates bootcamp. We saw our high school graduates develop and become technology enthusiasts, with several of them enrolling in technology-related courses at various universities and colleges.

The students were first taken through an intensive three-month computer certification program to familiarize them with the ins and outs of computer hardware and software, such as Microsoft Office and the Internet. This certificate is usually key, as students with such knowledge possess the upper hand in college. The students were also introduced to programming, where they acquired the basics of coding and built various personal projects like portfolios.

We partnered with an organization called DiredEd which offers coding bootcamps to recent high school graduates. They seek paid internships for the students that complete the bootcamp successfully. Four of our students, Michael, Kevin, Sheila, and John, successfully completed the bootcamp focusing on building Artificial Intelligence models that address real-life problems. This is a growing skill as the world embraces AI in day-to-day work.

Three of the four, Michael, Sheila, and Kevin joined the DirectEd Trainee Program, which offers mentorship from experienced professionals and networking opportunities. They will also get paid internships, and gain experience while in college.

Michael stood out during the entire bootcamp, consistently displaying exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. He took the lead in group projects and played a significant role in various bootcamp projects, showcasing technical skills and collaborative spirit, leading to his project being awarded the Best Project in Generative AI in the DirectEd bootcamp. A social media platform that enforces community guidelines through AI, earned him top honors.

All these would not have been possible without your generous donations. The funds raised from our Summer Appeal have been crucial in ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive in the tech world. Your contributions have helped us create the next generation of tech talent, empowering students like Michael to achieve their dreams. Thank you for helping “create techies.”

See some of Michael’s projects:

September 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Celebrate our recent grads!

Benta

Benta joined the program in 2013 and it has been a life-changing opportunity for her, as she was able to consistently attend school and receive other support through our programs. Her mother was facing challenges raising and educating her and her other two siblings.

Benta initially enrolled in one of our focus primary schools that was not so far from her home. She was able to walk to school. After primary education, she attended high school, where she unlocked her love of numbers and finances. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the university. During her academic journey, Benta has had several achievements, such as leadership positions at school and during our summer camps. She has evolved from a shy girl to a well-spoken and ambitious young woman.

Benta was excited to have graduated recently and is now job searching so that she can support herself and fully transform her life. Additionally, she is looking forward to pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification with time to boost her career.

“Having a brighter future has never been certain like it is now. I”m ready to pursue my dream career in accounting and uplift my family and community.” ~ Benta

Gavin

Gavin joined the program in 2008. Raised in a large family with eight siblings, life was far from easy. When Gavin was young, his mother became the main provider for the family. She worked hard every day to make sure they had what they needed and took care of everyone with strength and love.

Despite the challenges at home, Gavin has always been a smart and hardworking child. After matching with a sponsor, he started attending one of our partner primary schools. He was always at the top of his class, and on the final exam of primary education, he was the top student in the school, in the ward where he resided with his family (Ngando), and among his cohort at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).

Gavin then joined a national-level high school where he did well. After scoring a good grade on his high school exams, he joined Africa Nazarene University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business and Information Technology. During his academic journey, Gavin has had many achievements, including holding leadership positions during our Summer Camps and being the best student multiple times. While in school, he used his free time to work remotely as an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist and offered Google Ads and WordPress website services as a freelancer. He is now eager to step into roles in Business Intelligence, Business Analysis, and Business Development.

Gavin’s connection with NRCF has been profound. Being an excellent chess player, he regularly volunteers at our Saturday Program to teach kids how to play chess. Each session is impactful, and the sense of community that NRCF fosters is something Gavin deeply values, and he is grateful for the opportunities he was provided.

“With the support I’ve received, my future is now filled with endless possibilities. I’m ready to step into a career in Business Intelligence and uplift my family and community.” ~ Gavin

September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Learn about Kenyan Subgroups

Kenya is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions. This is attributed to the three major sub-groups of people: the Bantus, Cushites, and Nilotes. Each sub-group has its own unique origin, settlement patterns, dialects, and cultural practices, contributing to the vibrant design of Kenyan society.

The Bantu People

Where did they come from?

The Bantus are the largest sub-group in Kenya. They originated in West Africa around 4,000 years ago. They migrated southward and eastward, spreading their languages and cultures across sub-Saharan Africa.

Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Bantu sub-group settled in the central, western, and coastal regions of Kenya where the land is good for farming. They are great farmers, growing crops like maize and beans.

Tribes and Culture

There are approximately 20 to 22 Bantu tribes in Kenya. The main tribes are Kikuyu, Luyha, Kamba and Mijikenda. The Mijikenda tribe itself consists of nine sub-tribes. Bantu culture is all about close families, farming, and celebrating through music and dance. They speak different languages, and have special ceremonies for important events like growing up and getting married. Their stories, songs, and dances are passed down from parents to kids, keeping their traditions alive.

The Cushitic People

Where did they come from?

Cushites originated in northeastern Africa, in the Horn of Africa.

Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Cushitic sub-group inhabited Kenya’s northern and eastern parts. These regions are dry and the Cushites are known for their skills at raising animals like goats and camels in those dry areas.

Tribes and Culture

This subgroup has approximately five tribes, with the main ones being the Somali, Borana, Rendille, and Gabra. Their cultures are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, strong sense of community, and beadwork. Their traditions include special ceremonies for things like coming of age, and they pass down stories, songs, and dances through generations.

The Nilotic People

Where did they come from?

Nilotes originated in South Sudan and Ethiopia and spread southward and westward, reaching Kenya and other parts of East Africa.

Where did they settle in Kenya?

They settled in the Rift Valley, areas around Lake Victoria, and western Kenya, and are known for their pastoralism and fishing practices.

Tribes and Culture

The Nilotes subgroup has around 11 tribes with the main ones being the Maasai, Turkana, Luo, and Kelenjins. They are often associated with warrior traditions, beadwork, and lively ceremonies, with a big connection to their land and livestock.

These three sub-groups have lived together for thousands of years, sharing their different cultures and traditions. Even though they have different languages and customs, they are all part of the same family and love their country.

All our students belong to one of these subgroups and speak a certain mother tongue from their tribe. By the time they are adults, they are able to speak at least three languages: their tribal language, Swahili (one of Kenya’s national languages) and English.

To learn more about the Sub-groups visit the links below;

Language groups in Kenya
Bantu People Of Kenya
Nilotes people Kenya | History Shortened |Nilotes
Luo – Nilotic ethnic group: Their origin and culture
Who are the Cushitic people, history of the Cushitic people
September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo 1 Comment
Join Us For Our 2024 Community Gathering

We hope you can join us on October 2nd as we bring together sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate the progress and impact Friends of Ngong Road has had on many children in Nairobi.

We are especially excited about our special guest, Elizabeth Nyanchera. She is the first graduate of our program to become a lawyer. This is her first trip to the United States and she is looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing her story.

We will also hear from Paula Meyer, the Founder of Friends of Ngong Road, Carol Patrikakos, our Executive Director, and more, giving us program updates.

Wednesday, October 2nd, 5-7pm
Pryes Brewery
1401 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Remarks at 5:45 pm
Food and beverages provided
Free parking surrounds the building

The meeting room only has stair access, regretfully, no elevator. If that prevents you from attending, please respond and we will be happy to schedule another time to meet Elizabeth.

Please RSVP….. Bring a friend, or two!

Elizabeth has overcome significant challenges to build a promising future for herself. Orphaned at the age of four, her life took a transformative turn in fourth grade when she joined the Friends of Ngong Road program and was matched with a sponsor. She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with commitment and determination, achieving success through excellent academic performance.

After studying at the University of Nairobi, Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Law. She then secured an internship at R.W Mbanya and Company Advocates, gaining practical experience in the legal field. Motivated to further her legal knowledge, she pursued a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law. Elizabeth is currently employed full-time at a law firm, where she drafts legal documents and attends court hearings. Elizabeth officially joined the Kenya Bar in June 2023

Elizabeth says that the Friends of Ngong Road program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Elizabeth’s success shows that with the right support, and personal determination, a child is capable of transforming their life.