Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

Archives for October 2024

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A Legacy of Transformation: Paula’s Inspiring Visit to NRCF 

Paula, the visionary founder of the NRCF program, recently completed a meaningful one-week trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where she connected with a diverse range of individuals who form the heart of NRCF’s community. Her trip was packed with moments of inspiration, collaboration, and reflection on NRCF’s mission and future.

A highlight of Paula’s trip was her time with the students she sponsors, most of whom are now in post-secondary education or are proud alumni. They enjoyed a lunch gathering and a memorable safari to Naivasha. These moments allowed Paula to connect personally with her students, gaining insight into their lives and witnessing firsthand the progress they have made. At NRCF’s offices, Paula also joined a panel of alumni, whose stories of success were truly inspiring. Each alumnus shared how NRCF’s support had transformed their lives, helping them pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

Paula also met with the team leaders at the Techmates program, one of NRCF’s employment initiatives that aims to equip young people with essential tech and digital skills. Together, they discussed program activities and explored how to connect Techmates graduates with job opportunities on platforms like Upwork, enabling them to secure work and grow their careers. Paula spent time with the rest of the Techmates team to gain insight into the skills they are acquiring, the jobs some have secured, and the challenges they face. This open dialogue helped uncover potential solutions to ensure ongoing success for current and future Techmates participants.

In addition to her time with students and alumni, Paula connected with NRCF staff and individual Board members to better understand their roles and contributions toward NRCF’s mission. This exchange fostered a deeper appreciation for the staff’s dedication and commitment to NRCF’s goals. In a significant milestone, Paula’s term as Board Chair came to a close, and Jeff was elected as the new Chair of the NRCF Board during the Board meeting on October 25th. 

Paula’s contributions to NRCF have been nothing short of transformative. As the visionary founder, her commitment has been the bedrock of the program, helping to empower countless students and alumni through education and mentorship. Her support has opened doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach, and her dedication has inspired resilience, ambition, and growth within the entire NRCF community. We are grateful for her leadership and enduring belief in the potential of each student. Paula’s impact resonates in every success story and personal achievement, and her legacy will continue to inspire NRCF’s mission for years to come. Join us in transforming lives today!

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John’s memorable visit to Nairobi

On Friday, October 18th, we were thrilled to welcome John who arrived in Nairobi, Kenya alongside Paula, the program’s founder. John is a committed chair of the foundation’s marketing committee and his visit was not just a personal experience but an impactful immersion into the lives of his sponsored students and the communities served by the foundation.

The highlight of John’s trip was meeting his sponsored students, Dennis and Wycliffe, for the very first time. Together, they spent meaningful time exploring some of Nairobi’s vibrant attractions. The group enjoyed visiting the Elephant Orphanage, followed by a thrilling day at the Waterfront Mall, where they engaged in exciting outdoor activities like paintball, go-karting, bowling, and water games. This adventure-filled experience deepened the bond between John and his sponsored students. In a unique opportunity, John also embarked on a day safari to Naivasha with Noah, a program alumni he sponsors, alongside other students where they were able to take in Kenya’s beautiful landscape and share valuable time together.

A core part of John’s mission was to better understand the realities faced by the foundation’s beneficiaries. During his visit, he spent time in the homes of his students, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges they endure and the foundation’s critical role in supporting them. This experience deepened his commitment to advocating for the students and their needs.

He also visited three of the foundation’s focus schools to learn about the local education system and how each school prepares its students for success. The school visits inspired further discussions on ways to enhance educational opportunities for future students. Additionally, John met with some program alumni, who shared their personal journeys within the foundation and their stories of success and growth. Hearing directly from past beneficiaries gave John an inspiring perspective on how the program has shaped lives over the years.

The trip concluded on a productive note as John engaged in a marketing discussion with the foundation’s Program Director and the IT team. Together, they brainstormed ways to convey the foundation’s mission more effectively. John’s visit marked an invaluable opportunity to strengthen connections and reinforce the foundation’s mission. His experiences with students, schools, and alumni will no doubt fuel his ongoing efforts to amplify the foundation’s reach and ensure its story is told with clarity and purpose. Join us in transforming lives today!

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Transformational Stories of two Early Childhood Teachers

Plister

Plister joined the organization on 8th December 2007. Before that, her parents could not pay her school fees, which made it difficult for her to continue her education. However, joining the organization allowed her to attend school and receive the support she needed to succeed. 

 In January 2008, she was enrolled in City Prime School and later transferred to Nelson Mandela Primary School where she completed her primary studies. She proceeded to St’ Tito Girls High School for secondary education. After completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, Plister joined the National Youth Service where youths are trained in Paramilitary skills and professional courses that match their qualifications.

 As a child, she had always felt a deep connection to children being drawn to their curiosity and boundless energy. This passion led her to pursue a Diploma in Early Childhood Development at the International Training Teachers College Kitengela.

After graduating with her diploma, Plister secured a job at Lakewood Emerald School Kitengela. Every day, she wakes up with a sense of purpose and excitement, knowing that she has the privilege of shaping the lives of young children.  Her interaction with her students reminds her of her journey and the transformational impact that education can have.

Thanks to the foundation, Plister, a once shy and introverted girl is now a confident outgoing young woman. “It is through the foundation’s support that I was able to achieve my dreams. Working as a teacher has helped me come out of my shell”, she smilingly said. Today,  Plister has been able to transform her life and is now self-sufficient, supporting herself and her family.

Brenda

The program welcomed Brenda on June 26, 2008. She attended City Prime School for her elementary schooling before transferring to Nelson Mandela School. St. Tito Girls High School was where she went to complete her secondary school. Later, at International Teachers Training College in Kitengela, Brenda worked towards a diploma in Early Childhood Development Studies. After finishing her studies, she was fortunate enough to land a job at Kitengela’s Lakewood Emerald School.

 Brenda gets her energy and pleasure from interacting with people, thus she excels in social situations. She expresses herself with confidence and is conversational and active. Her profession and social life complement one another since she has no trouble relating to kids in a classroom setting. She inspires and motivates pupils because of her interactive teaching style, which increases their enjoyment of learning. She has become more organized, self-motivated, and optimistic about her work over time.

 Brenda is incredibly appreciative of Marti Morfitt, her sponsor via the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. She acknowledges that she could not have gone to school without the program’s support. Her life has been totally transformed by the support she received; she is now able to support her child, herself, and even her mother and brothers. She is particularly appreciative of the life-changing programs that served as the cornerstone of her development, including summer camps, computer lessons, and medical assistance. She is incredibly grateful and hopes that the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation will continue to help other underprivileged children the way it helped her. 

Join us in transforming lives today!

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Techmates Program Update

Since the launch of the Techmates program in September 2021, we have trained over 25 participants. During the program, they learn basic technical skills in digital marketing and software development. After completing the training, they build their professional portfolios and apply their new skills by working with  Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR), Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and Karibu Loo. This hands-on experience helps them improve both their technical abilities and interpersonal skills, which are essential in today’s job market.

As of today, many of our Techmates are working as freelancers for NRCF, FoNR, Karibu Loo, Lido Nation, and World Vision. These partnerships provide them with opportunities to apply the skills they have learned, working on real-world projects that help them grow professionally. Through these roles, they have gained valuable experience in digital marketing, software development, and project management, further honing their technical abilities and strengthening their problem-solving skills. Several Techmates have taken their careers to the next level by securing leadership positions and long-term contracts within these organizations.

Others have used their skills to run their own businesses, sharpening their entrepreneurial skills. To further establish themselves, the Techmates are working on the creation of their website. Through this platform, they aim to attract more clients and grow their reach, positioning themselves as leaders in the digital and tech industry.

Led by Sallyanne and Odero, the Techmates have been proactive in seeking new growth opportunities. Recently, they applied for funding through Project Catalyst’s Ideascale, a platform that supports innovative projects within the Cardano ecosystem. By securing this funding, the Techmates aim to expand their services to include blockchain solutions, tapping into the rapidly growing blockchain and Cardano industries. Their goal is to provide specialized blockchain services, including smart contract development, decentralized applications (dApps), and blockchain integration for companies looking to leverage the benefits of this technology. If successful, this funding would not only help them acquire the necessary tools and training but also enable them to build a team of skilled professionals dedicated to blockchain projects. 

The Techmates program has come a long way, and we are excited to welcome more trainees into this growing community. We look forward to seeing even more success stories in the future!

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Elizabeth’s Journey to Legal Advocacy

Elizabeth joined the program on May 13, 2007, after tragically losing her parents when she was just 4 years old. With no choice but to live with her aunt, they faced severe financial struggles that made it difficult for Elizabeth to stay in school. However, joining the program became a beacon of hope. She was finally able to attend school without interruptions. She was enrolled at Ngando Preparatory School for her primary education, and later she joined Kangaru Girls High School, one of the top schools in Embu, for her secondary education.

During her time in school, Elizabeth’s leadership qualities stood out, and she was elected as the assistant head girl. After successfully completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), she pursued her passion for law by joining the University of Nairobi to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Following that, she attended the Kenya School of Law for a year to obtain a diploma and deepen her understanding of Kenya’s constitution. Elizabeth completed her pupillage at Mamboleo Advocates and was proudly admitted to the bar.

Now, as a lawyer in the High Court of Kenya, Elizabeth reflects on her journey. She acknowledges that without the support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, she would not have had the opportunity to receive an education after being orphaned at such a young age. Joining the program became the turning point in her life. She was able to focus on her studies without further disruptions, all thanks to the unwavering support of her sponsor, who walked with her every step of the way. Elizabeth expresses deep gratitude to them, praying that they receive endless blessings.

Today, Elizabeth’s life is transformed. She lives in a good home and can support her daily needs. She has even extended her support to help her cousin. The impact of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is permanent in her life. Through our programs like computer classes, life skills training, and summer camps, Elizabeth has gained invaluable tools to navigate her career. She hopes that the foundation continues its incredible work, providing opportunities to other students in need, just as it did for her.

Join us in transforming lives today!