Our Children

Our program seeks out children who have the ability to succeed but not the means. The number of children enrolled has grown quickly. When school opened in January of 2007, 60 sponsors had been recruited and a corresponding 60 children were on their way with school uniforms, shoes and school fees paid. The program’s selection criteria has grown consistently more rigorous and students in the program are required to attend schools we select. Although we don’t own or operate any schools, we partner with schools that have a demonstrated track record of delivering strong academic outcomes. At the end of 2016, the program had 301 children in primary and secondary school, another 67 in post-secondary programs and 32 alumni for a total of 400 students served.

We are proud of the success our students have created. Read their stories of their transformed lives. We add new stories frequently–you can stay up to date by following us on Facebook.

Emmanuel Titi: I Believe I Can!

Emmanuel Titi was nine years old when his parents died from AIDS. The end of his parents’ lives meant the end of his education as well. Emmanuel and his siblings moved in with his aunt, who was unable to afford school fees. Emmanuel watched his older siblings come to terms with the reality of their future and lost hope in his own future without an education as well.

In late 2008, his aunt learned of the Ngong Road Children Association program for kids whose families were affected by HIV/AIDS. She applied for Emmanuel to be accepted, and he joined the program in early 2009 and was sponsored by the Halloran family. Emmanuel remembered the weeks of sitting at home and wishing to go to school before he was accepted to the program, and he pledged to himself that he would make the most of the opportunity. Last year Emmanuel was ranked first in his class of 48 high school juniors! He wrote this essay at Ngong Road Children Association’s August Camp last year about his memories before being in the program and how he now proudly shouts that, “He believes he can!”

See Emmanuel’s full I Believe I Can Essay.

Emmanuel has different goals and perspectives than most young people his age and he makes the most out of every opportunity. He understands that there is more to life than what meets the eye and wants a different future for himself. Keep up the good work, Emmanuel!

Tabitha Ongachi

Tabitha Ongachi told Friends of Ngong Road President and Founder, Paula Meyer, that she “never thought she would graduate from Form 4.” She knew it was not affordable on her family’s little income. In December 2017, she did just that!

Tabitha has been sponsored by Jamie and Nancy Letcher since she joined the program in 2008 after her father died from AIDS. She and her mother were living with two of her aunts while struggling to make it in the slums of Nairobi. Her mother occasionally washed clothes for other families and sold odds and ends to get enough income for one meal a day.

Tabitha excelled in her primary school environment often performing at the top of her class. She was determined to do well and with a high score on her eighth-grade exam, she was accepted into one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Nairobi, Ngara Girls Secondary School. Although she was one of the few students coming from a background of extreme poverty at the school, she continued to perform well and made friends with students from all different backgrounds. In December 2017, Tabitha scored a B- on her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam. She dreams of becoming a forensic scientist and will be applying to university in the fall.

In December 2017, Tabitha was chosen to be a “Youth Peer Provider” for the new sexual and reproductive health program. Fourteen students were trained through Planned Parenthood Global and eight selected to lead the training for their peers. While applying to post-secondary schools, she has attended our computer training course and Life Skills program led by Megan and Evan Feige of Minneapolis, MN. The program will be expanded later this year thanks to a Rotary Global Grant with the South Metro Minneapolis Evenings Rotary Club and the Kikuyu Rotary Club of Nairobi. She is a respected leader among her peers and an inspiration to her two younger brothers.

George is Employed with Hope and a Future

A few weeks ago the Managing Director of Pentair in Kenya visited the local office in Kenya. Pentair has been a supporter of the program since 2016, and the manager was interested in learning more about how Pentair is helping to provide education for children in his own community.

When guests tour the program and office the tour ends with a personal story from either a graduate of the program or a guardian of a current student. The tour’s final speaker was George Odhiambo, a 2015 graduate of the program who now works as a caseworker in the local office for primary-aged students. George shared his story in more detail than he has in the past. President and Founder, Paula Meyer, was also in attendance at the tour and said it almost made her cry.

George explained how his life has turned out thanks to the program versus how it could have turned out. He said that he sees his friends from before his acceptance in the program in his home area, and they are thieves or have fathered many children out of wedlock. He felt he would not have even been able to finish primary school if not for the program. He is now still living in the slums and spends a large portion of his salary helping three of his cousins to get an education, rather than spending it on a nicer apartment for himself. He is employed with hope and a future.

If you are ever in Nairobi or know anyone who will be, let us know! We’d love to show you around and introduce you to the students and staff.

Wycliffe Ouma

Wycliffe Ouma joined the program in 2007. His widowed mother is HIV positive and was barely getting by with her fish stand on the side of the road. Through an HIV support network, she learned about Friends of Ngong Road. She applied almost immediately, and was overjoyed to learn that her son, Wycliffe, was accepted.

However, Wycliffe was not a strong student and graduated from secondary school with a D-. But he has always had a charming, out-going personality and stuck close to the staff at Ngong Road Children Association and his sponsor, Tom Gleason. Among Friends of Ngong Road and Ngong Road Children Association Wycliffe found positive mentors to help him build resiliency and he learned how to recognize and build on his strengths.

When Wycliffe graduated from high school he was faced with another challenge – his business course was more difficult for him than he had anticipated. With the trusted advice of caring adults around him, Wycliffe changed his path and took a barista course. Today Wycliffe is an intern at Connect Coffee and earns a comfortable income at least three times the normal slum wage. This puts him on the first rung on his way up the ladder into the Kenyan middle class. Wycliffe talks excitedly about becoming a manager and working his way into more responsibility at Connect Coffee.
Students who graduate from our program and add some post-secondary training are highly employable. With the academic and leadership training they have received at Friends of Ngong Road and Ngong Road Children Association they are able to escape the slums and move into the middle class.

Way to go Wycliffe!

Emily Wanjiku

Emily was one of the first two students in the program, because she has been sponsored since 2006 by Paula & Kurt Meyer. Emily is an orphan who has grown up in the same house with her cousin Irene Nyambura (also in the program), Irene’s mother (who is her aunt) and her grandmother. Emily graduated from Nelson Mandela Academy and completed her secondary education at StephJoy Academy in 2014. After secondary school Emily attended Nairobi University where she earned a diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management. Today Emily works as the Procurement Officer at Ngong Road Children Association in Nairobi.

Emily has faced many challenges during her growing up years. When children are orphans in Kenya, sometimes other family members tell them they are bewitched or cursed. Emily has faced this burden. Although her family has usually had enough food to eat and she has had a place to live, life for Emily has been challenging without parents to guide and support her. Ngong Road Children Association has played an important role in her development.

During her high school years, Emily served as a leader in camp for three years in a row. She has a steadfast, loving personality who has made it through her teenage years with relatively little drama.

Her sponsor, Paula Meyer, said: “I have spent time with Emily since she was 8 years old, seeing her usually twice each year. She is a wonderful young woman who is focused on improving her life. She is steady, intelligent and it has been my privilege to watch her change over the years. I hope for only the best for Emily – great jobs and a happy future.”

Secondary Graduate Test Results are In!

The class of 2016 graduated last December after completing their “big scary school career-end test” called the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The KCSE is a comprehensive exam testing student’s’ last four years of knowledge and is used to determine what caliber of post-secondary school to which a student may be admitted. Even if a student doesn’t typically experience test anxiety, he or she probably does for this one.

This year 31 students took the KCSE. Of the exam-takers, 15 scored a composite C- or higher and 16 scored a composite D or D-. one did not pass. Although it may sound low to American ears, the Kenyan system based on the old British system does not have “grade creep” and a “C” is truly average. Further, the KCSE test was thought to be more difficult than in prior years, so grades may be slightly skewed compared to students’ typical performance.

Since December, the class of 2016 has been busy at our local office completing a computer certificate course, soft skills training, and preparing their school applications. Four students are expected to join university this year. Six are expected to receive additional government sponsorships for their education because of their test scores.

Some of the standouts from the class of 2016 include:

Rose Adhiambo: Rose was granted a government scholarship after scoring a composite B on her KCSE. She attended one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Kenya after having scored 333 out of 500 on her 8th grade exam, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, a similar test structure to the KCSE but for 8th graders. Rose is finalizing her post-secondary plans. Rose is sponsored by Steve and Judy Lewis.

Francis Githinji: Francis scored a composite C+ on his KCSE and is applying to attend Jomo Kenyatta University to become a veterinarian. He learned about the field through Bimeda Veterinary Supply Company in Kenya, a close supporter and friend to the organization. Francis is sponsored by Andy and Heidi Walz.

Timothy Mukolwe: Timothy has been a strong leader in the class of 2016. He discovered his passion to lead during our leadership camp and continued to develop his skills as the president of his class. Being a class president in Kenya comes with significant responsibility as students live on campus in dormitories and are held accountable to various chores and tasks by the class president. Timothy scored a C on his KCSE, not as high as he had hoped, but he still attained a government scholarship and plans to study environmental management. Timothy is sponsored by Francis and Maura Roby.

Sponsors of the class of 2016 will receive finalized student plans in September once students have been accepted to the schools and programs to which they are applying.

Plister’s Mother’s Dream of Sending her to College is Coming True!

Plister Ogolla, sponsored by Marti Morfitt, was one of the first students to join the program in 2007. Her HIV+ mother and five siblings were abandoned by her father when Plister was young. To support the family, her mother did odd jobs when she was well enough. Plister’s mother dreamed of sending her children to college, but she knew it would not be possible as she was struggling to make enough money to feed and shelter her children, let alone pay for regular school fees.

Plister slept on cushions on the floor with her sister. Trash was scattered throughout the home with electricity only occasionally available in their iron-sheet home. Plister longed to go to school. She loved being with her friends but the few friends she made at school when she could occasionally attend continued advancing to new grades while Plister remained behind.

Plister was accepted to the Friends of Ngong Road program along with two of her siblings, and life took a turn for the better for her and her family. Her mother said it was a huge relief that three of her children were being fed and educated through the program. It allowed her to provide food and clothing for her other children. And, it allowed her to have hope that one day one of her children would make it to college and make a better life for their whole family. Today, Plister is on her way to making the dream possible.

After graduating from secondary school (high school) in December 2016, Plister joined our post-secondary department and attained a computer certificate course while waiting for her final grades to be released. During that time, Plister used her entrepreneurial spirit and self-reliance principles gained in the program to apply to a government program as a National Youth Service Cadet for a six month training on technical, entrepreneurial and paramilitary skills. She was admitted and upon completion will receive a certificate that will make her significantly more competitive when searching for employment.

Plister graduated with a D on her final exam, so not a high score, but she passed! She is another example of a student using other skills gained through the program to make a way for herself. Our mission states that we provide children education and support “so they can transform their lives” in recognition of the fact that the program cannot do it for them. Friends of Ngong Road can only provide tools and training. True transformation is up to the individual, and Plister is a great example of that.

Plister will return to the post-secondary program after completing her Cadet training. The future is bright for Plister and her family. The future is bright for many of the children in our program with an investment from people like Marti who care about kids. Great going, Plister and Marti!

Elisha Otieno

Elisha was born in the rural area near the coast of Kenya where life was tough but his family close. When he was 10, his father died from AIDS. Soon after, his mother learned she too was HIV positive. She became very ill and unable to work. Elisha loved his mother deeply and remembers her instilling in him the importance of hard work and education. As she weakened she could no longer provide the basic needs of Elisha and his 13 year old brother.

Elisha moved in with his uncle’s family in Nairobi, while his brother moved to a city six hours from Nairobi with a different uncle. In Nairobi, Elisha’s uncle earned income as a driver, an unpredictable career he now depended on to support his own four children plus Elisha. Food was scarce, school fees scarcer.

In 2008, caseworkers from the newly launched Friends of Ngong Road/Ngong Road Children Association program visited Elisha’s school. It happened to be on a rare day that he was there with paid-up fees. His teachers advocated for his acceptance into the program and shared his story. Elisha was accepted, absolutely thrived in school, found friends in the program with similar backgrounds, and benefited greatly from the ongoing support of a caseworker. Elisha said he no longer “felt odd. I just fit in.”

When Elisha’s mother died a few years later, he was not left alone to deal with the tragedy. Instead he had the continuing support of FoNR/NRCA. Today, Elisha is studying to be a civil engineer. He dreams of making Nairobi a better place that can compete globally. He is on the way to transforming his life, his family’s lives, and the whole of Kenya.

Our Students Outperform Kenyan Average Again!

8th and 12th grades in Kenya are extremely important school years. 8th graders take an exam that determines to what level of high school/technical training they can gain admission. 12th graders’ exam determines which type of post-secondary training they can pursue, which in turn determines career and very likely, their income. The system is very black and white. Breaking the cycle of poverty can come down to one exam.

Imagine being 13 or 14 and knowing that this one exam will determine the quality of high school you’ll be able to attend. And your high school education impacts your chances at a good higher education program and career! It is a big deal! We invite you to learn more about the Kenyan education system.

In 2016, our 8th grade class scored higher than the Kenyan average, an accomplishment our students have made for the past eight consecutive years. Our students averaged 290 out of 500 points while the national average was 245. Five of our students scored above 350 and will likely be accepted to the most prestigious high schools in Kenya. Our 12th graders also completed the important exam to gain entry into post-secondary schools. Thirty-two students took the exam, and 14 scored high enough to be accepted into college or university-level programs. The others will likely attend one- to two-year trade schools.

Thank you to our generous, committed sponsors. It is your investment in your student’s education that is making this success possible.

Our top 8th and 12th grade performers include:

Hillary Anabwani. Hillary is a very strong student. He lives with his mother and father, who are both HIV+. Hillary’s mother says, “He has a bright future ahead of him should he continue to work hard.” Hillary is sponsored by Dave and Sue Kanz.

Sharon Kwamboka. Sharon has been at the top of her class for several years and is a standout student in the computer lab courses taught at our offices. She lives with her aunt, two brothers and a cousin. Sharon is sponsored by Neha Patel.

Joyce Atieno. Joyce lives with her HIV+ mother and four siblings. Joyce’s favorite subject is social studies and her teachers recognize her as a leader among her classmates. Joyce is sponsored by Millie Acamovic.

Willis Odour. Willis has consistently been at the top of his class since joining our program. He is an orphan who lives with his uncle, aunt and three cousins. Willis is sponsored by Ronan Smith of Bimeda Ltd., and Maurice Musanya.

Edwin Omondi. Edwin has been in the program since 2012. He is an extremely social student and is often making his friends and staff laugh. Edwin’s family recently moved to a new home with electricity, so he has been able to better study in the evenings. Edwin is sponsored by Greg and Patti Lais.

Rose Adhiambo. Rose attended Ngara Girls secondary school, a national school that is one of the top performing in the country. Rose’s smile lights up the room, and she is a leader both in the classroom and among her peers. Rose is sponsored by Steve and Judy Lewis.

Lensa Achieng. Lensa also attended Ngara Girls secondary school. Our students attend boarding school at the secondary level, so students in a particular school do nearly everything together. Fortunately the students at Ngara Girls have continued to be great students! Lensa is sponsored by the women in “Carol’s Knitting Ladies” club.

Francis Githinji. Francis attended Parkland Boy’s School, a quality school nestled in the heart of Nairobi. Francis has been a leader at camp several years and is a role model for many of our students. Francis is sponsored by Andy and Heidi Walz.

Daisy Atieno. Daisy is the oldest in her family with four younger brothers. Both of her parents are alive and HIV+. Because Daisy was supported by the program since 2010, her mother has been able to save a small amount and recently opened a business to support the rest of her family. Daisy is sponsored by Cynthia and Joe Walz.

Pamela

Pamela joined the program after her father died and she moved to the Dagoretti area along with her mother, sister and brother. Pamela’s life dramatically changed, but she was consistently an excellent student with a smile that could brighten any room.

Last year, Pamela was encouraged by her classroom teacher to apply for the AFS-USA foreign student exchange program. After multiple exams and interviews, Pamela was ranked first in her county and accepted into the program! In her interview, she spoke about how much she values diversity and enjoys learning with people who come from different backgrounds than hers. The AFS program has been focusing on bridging cultural difference among youth, and Pamela is an excellent peer example.

She came to Ohio for a year-long experience starting mid-August, and she is doing very well. We are so proud of you, Pamela!

Stacy

Stacy started our program in 2008 shortly after her mother died from HIV/AIDS and she moved in with her grandmother. With the support of her sponsor, Stacy succeeded at Jagiet Primary and was accepted to St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School. She was a leader at camp and graduated from secondary school in December.

Next up in Stacy‘s journey are plans to attend Kenya Methodist University where she’ll study marketing and sales. While Stacy is waiting for her acceptance to her post-secondary studies, she has been working part-time in our Kenya office and as an associate with Karibu Loo. She said even if she didn’t have work in our office that she “feels like it is her second home.” We are proud of you, Stacy!

George Odhiambo

George Odhiambo, a graduate of Ngong Road Children Association, has started working as a full-time intern at the NRCA offices and will become a full-time caseworker after receiving his diploma in July. George has been sponsored by Bob and Louise Tritt of Kansas City since 2007. He was a camp team leader for three years and recently volunteered in our NRCA offices. George also worked for Karibu Loo, both as an event attendant and with construction projects. He is grateful for the many opportunities he’s received through the program and is excited about developing his skills further at NRCA. We are proud of you, George!

Robert

Robert started with our program in 2009. Robert had a difficult childhood – both of his parents died from AIDS, and he was almost thrown out of the program because of behavior issues.

After support and counseling from our staff, he was able to pull through, and ultimately excel, in high school. Robert just graduated with a B- on his final high school exams. He said he was motivated to turn things around for himself because of his sponsor’s support. He is now interested in veterinary studies and plans to continue with his post-secondary education with the continued support of his sponsor.

A big shout out to Robert and to his sponsor, Janis, for the support and hope she offered Robert to overcome so much and continue transforming his life.

Sheila

Sheila is a 2013 graduate of our program, and through the help of her sponsor Marti, Sheila has transformed and continues to transform her life for both herself and her family.

After graduating high school, Sheila was selected among 250 applicants for 1 of 25 police academy spots. She has now completed her training, is assigned to work at Mombasa airport, and is beginning a one-year security management program at Mt. Kenya University while also working. Her dream is to do security at the United Nations compound in Nairobi.

We are proud of you, Sheila!

Our Students Outperform the Kenyan Average!

Our kids have once again outperformed the Kenyan average on their Kenyan Comprehensive Primary Exams (an exam 8th graders take to determine high school placement) with an average of 310 out of 500! The Kenyan average was 205. Congratulations and kudos to our children and sponsors who make a great education and support possible!

Jackline Nyarwai’s Story

Jackline was one of the first five children sponsored in our program, beginning late in 2006. She graduated from high school in 2012 with a composite grade of D-. Although her marks were low, Jackline has an effervescent, optimistic personality and she had hope for a brighter future.

Jackline’s mother is alive but is HIV+ and has been very ill. As a result of her illness, Jackline didn’t live at home during her eighteen months of post-secondary education. Her sponsor paid for her to stay in a dormitory at the school she attended. In November 2014 she earned a diploma in Front Office Management and shortly thereafter began working as a receptionist intern for Ngong Road Children Association and Karibu Loo.

We have many visitors to our offices including some expats who work as volunteers. In May, 2015 one of our regular volunteers, Chris Adams, told NRCA’s director that she was very impressed with Jackline’s skills and asked whether he would agree to have her interview for a job at the company her husband leads in Nairobi. Bimeda is a privately held veterinary supply company based in Ireland and distributing products throughout Kenya. They had an opening for a Customer Care Representative. Chris coached Jackline on interview skills and she went through the interview process. Today Jackline has full-time employment at Bimeda as a Customer Care Representative.

With this job, Jackie has moved into Kenya’s middle class. She said, “I am so excited to be part of the international business world. I am looking forward to becoming a more and more valuable employee to Bimeda.” By investing in Jackie’s education, providing ongoing support through the difficult times in her life and by helping her prepare when opportunity knocked, Ngong Road Children Association and her sponsor have helped her transform her life.