Friends of Ngong Road

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

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NRCF STEM Camp 2024: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The NRCF STEM Camp 2024 was a transformative, two-week journey that introduced 7th and 8th-grade students to the dynamic world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hosted at the NRCF Elimu Hub Center in partnership with Science Mill and Friends of Ngong Road, the camp aimed to inspire curiosity, nurture problem-solving skills, and open doors to exciting career opportunities in STEM.

A Two-Week Overview

Week 1: Biomimicry-Inspired Projects (Grade 7)
 Students explored biomimicry, applying nature’s designs to solve real-world challenges. Projects included:

  • Smart Bin: An accessible, touch-free bin inspired by animal reflexes.
  • Rescue Kingfisher: A robotic bird for underwater rescue operations.
  • Jitterbug: A stress-relieving device modeled after a butterfly.

Week 2: Biomimicry-Inspired Projects (Grade 8)
 Building on the previous week, Grade 8 students tackled advanced challenges with bio-inspired engineering. Highlights included:

  • Whale Robot: A water-cleaning robot based on a whale’s filtration system.
  • Security Sunflower: A solar-powered motion-sensing camera system.
  • Anglerfish Vessel: A deep-sea exploration vessel mimicking the anglerfish’s bioluminescence.

Hands-On Learning and STEM Career Exploration

Throughout the camp, students engaged in interactive lessons and activities designed to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications:

  • Robotics and Coding: Using Micro: bit and Hummingbird kits, students created “battle bots” and tackled engineering challenges.
  • Renewable Energy: Teams designed wind turbines and explored careers in energy engineering.
  • Food Science: Activities like making edible water balls and ice cream highlighted the intersection of science, creativity, and technology.

Career discussions introduced participants to diverse fields, from molecular gastronomy and robotics to ecology and renewable energy, igniting aspirations for future STEM roles.

Graduation Celebration

The camp concluded with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the participants’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • Project Presentations: Students showcased their biomimicry-inspired projects to an impressed audience of peers, facilitators, and guests.
  • Certificates of Achievement: Each participant received a personalized certificate, recognizing their dedication and accomplishments.
  • A Sweet Finale: The event ended with a celebratory cake-cutting, leaving students with lasting memories of their STEM journey.

The NRCF STEM Camp 2024 was a resounding success, empowering 73 young minds with STEM knowledge, creativity, and confidence. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, facilitators, and volunteers.

We aim to expand the program to reach more students, incorporating diverse venues like research centers and nature reserves to enhance hands-on learning experiences. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and partners, including the Science Mill and Friends of Ngong Road, whose generous support made this camp possible. Your contributions empowered these young minds to explore their potential and inspired a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators. A special thank you to the facilitators, mentors, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the program’s success. Together, we can continue to spark innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

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NRCF Camps 2024

Camps are more than just a break from the usual academic routine; they are transformative experiences that shape students’ character, skills, and memories. Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 provided unique opportunities for students to grow in resilience, teamwork, and leadership while celebrating their achievements. These camps exemplify how engaging environments outside the classroom can inspire personal growth and lifelong learning.

Senior Camp 2024: Celebrating Resilience and Grit

The Senior Camp was organized to celebrate the Class of 2023 KCPE graduates (Form One students) and to recognize the accomplishments of Form Three 2024 students. The camp’s theme, “Developing Resilience and Grit,” emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance in overcoming obstacles to succeed in high school. Held from Monday, 18th November to Friday, 22nd November 2024, the camp took place at Naivasha West Beach Camp, Kongoni, Naivasha, in Nakuru County. A total of 52 campers were in attendance and they were divided into four teams of 13 members each, with distinct T-shirt colors for easy identification. By the end of the camp, the Yellow Team emerged as the winners of the 2024 camp competitions.

Camp Activities

  1. Arts and Crafts
    • Campers learned to create friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity fostered creativity and resourcefulness, showing participants how to make art from readily available materials. The skills learned could even be applied to create items for income generation.
  2. GRIT Training
    • Teams participated in training sessions focused on developing GRIT—the combination of passion and perseverance. Students explored the skills necessary to navigate challenges in high school, such as peer pressure and demanding academic schedules.
  3. Leadership Development
    • Students were taught essential leadership skills, including setting goals, overcoming challenges, building confidence, effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration. These sessions aimed to prepare students for leadership roles in their schools and communities.
  4. Field Trip to Hell’s Gate and Geothermal Spa
    • Participants enjoyed a field trip to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley. They also learned about geothermal energy production from hot springs at the KenGen facility, enriching their understanding of Kenya’s natural resources and sustainable energy.
  1. Crazy Olympics Sports
    • A series of fun and engaging games encouraged teamwork and problem-solving among students. These activities provided an opportunity for light-hearted competition and bonding.
  2. Nine-Series Obstacle Race
    • Campers competed in a challenging obstacle course designed to test their problem-solving abilities, perseverance, and teamwork. The nine-series challenge was a highlight of the camp, emphasizing resilience under pressure.

Grammar Camp 2024: A Celebration of Young Champions

This year’s Grammar Camp was a memorable and thrilling adventure held at Stedmark Gardens. Organized to celebrate students’ achievements throughout the year and mark their transition to new academic classes, the camp embraced the inspiring theme, “Celebrating Our Young Champions,” continuing the tradition from last year. The event brought together 30 enthusiastic students from Grades 4 and 6.

Activities

The camp’s schedule was packed with a variety of fun and educational activities designed to engage and inspire students:

  • Visit to the Animal Park

The highlight of the camp was an educational visit to the Animal Park, where students explored fascinating habitats and wildlife. Guided by experts, students learned about birds, snakes, lions, monkeys, tortoises, deer, llamas, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and ostriches. 

  • Amusement Park Adventures

The amusement park was a hub of thrills and laughter as students enjoyed bouncing castles, a train ride, and other entertaining activities. The vibrant atmosphere added an extra layer of excitement to their day.

  • Swimming

A heated swimming pool provided a refreshing break for students. It was a perfect setting for relaxation, bonding, and engaging in aquatic fun.

  • Photography

Encouraged to capture their experiences, students embraced photography as a creative outlet. This activity not only fostered their creativity but also helped preserve the camp’s cherished memories.

Conclusion

The Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 demonstrated the incredible value of camps in students’ lives, offering avenues for skill-building, exploration, and celebration. Through activities that challenged their minds, bodies, and creativity, participants forged lasting bonds and discovered new strengths. Camps like these are vital in nurturing tomorrow’s champions and resilient leaders.

Join us in transforming lives today!

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Laphenus: Aspiring Psychiatrist with a passion for Acting and Sports.

My name is Laphenus, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student at P.C.E.A Kimuri Comprehensive School. I am a passionate and driven individual who loves acting, storytelling, and playing sports such as basketball, netball, and handball. My favorite subjects are Kiswahili and Social Studies, which allow me to explore my creativity and learn about the world

I am proud of my teamwork skills, which I’ve developed through my active participation in school activities. Acting is one of my favorite things—it allows me to express myself, connect with others, and tell stories that inspire and entertain. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team at the Kenya National Theatre, which has given me valuable experience and helped me grow as an actor.

My dream is to become a psychiatrist because I am fascinated by the human mind and deeply care about helping people overcome emotional and mental challenges. Alongside my career aspirations, I plan to continue acting as a way to share powerful messages and stories.

One of my dreams is to visit Paris and India. Paris inspires me with its beauty, art, and culture, while India fascinates me with its vibrant traditions and storytelling. My favorite actor Kenyan actress, Sarah Hassan, motivates me to work hard and believe in my talent.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) has been instrumental in shaping my journey. Before joining NRCF in 2020, life was tough for my family, and education felt like an unattainable dream. NRCF stepped in, providing me with school fees, meals, medical care, and supplies, enabling me to attend one of NRCF’s focused schools, Jagiet Academy, where I thrived. At NRCF, I’ve also been actively participating in Saturday program activities such as taekwondo, drama, and dance, which have helped me develop discipline, creativity, and confidence.

Today, NRCF continues to provide mentorship and resources that allow me to pursue my passions and excel in my studies. It has not only given me access to education but also the confidence to believe in myself and my future. With the support of NRCF, I am determined to make my dreams a reality and contribute positively to my community. I am living proof that education and encouragement can transform lives, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead. 

Transform a life today!

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Elizabeth’s US Visit Inspires Supporters

In October, Elizabeth, an alumnus of the program and a Junior Advisory Board Member of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF- our operating partner in Nairobi), visited the United States for the first time. Elizabeth is the first program graduate to become a lawyer.  She was invited as a special guest for the 2024 Community Gathering for Friends of Ngong Road.  She is an example of the impact of our program and the success that can be achieved.   

The community gathering in Minneapolis brought together supporters, staff, board members and sponsors all of whom have provided critical support for our mission. Elizabeth shared a unique perspective on her journey from the slums of Nairobi to being employed by a prestigious law firm. 

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. Elizabeth shared how 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.

Reflecting on the occasion, she said, “It was interesting to meet all the individuals who attended and gain insight and advice related to my career. The warmth and encouragement I received were inspiring, and I left with a renewed commitment to contribute to positive change.”

Her journey was filled with meaningful encounters, including a special meeting with her sponsors (Steve Smith and Deborah Zvosec) who have supported her educational journey. In addition to the Community Gathering, she presented at a reception hosted by Board Member Kim Jenson in St. Petersburg, Florida just before the hurricane arrived. She presented at small gatherings with donors and sponsors in Minneapolis, Edina, Stillwater, and Eastern Wisconsin. 

Elizabeth made important connections in the legal community. She had a meeting with Kathleen Blatz, a longtime FoNR donor and the first female Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. She toured the Faegre Drinker headquarters in Minneapolis with Nate Brennaman and Julia Cross, who sponsor a student in our program. Lane Ayres, Director of the Law & Democracy Initiative at Books For Africa, engaged Elizabeth in the coordination of a donated Thomson Reuters law reference library at the International Federation of Women Lawyers. These lawyers who are also devoted to social justice have inspired Elizabeth’s career and personal philanthropy goals. 

Elizabeth expressed deep gratitude for her trip, “I am immensely thankful to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and Friends of Ngong Road for this life-changing opportunity. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of everyone involved in these organizations, and I am inspired to give back and support others as they have supported me.” 

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NRCF Career Workshop

The NRCF Career Workshop, held on November 5th, 6th, and 11th, 2024, was a dynamic and impactful event that brought together students, speakers, and facilitators to explore career opportunities and life skills. The workshop’s success was attributed to excellent support from the office and the enthusiastic participation of students across all forms.

Students were introduced to strategies for discovering their passions and potential career paths. Emphasis was placed on innovation, situational awareness, and understanding personality traits through prior personality tests. Many students expressed interest in multiple careers, showing less focus on traditional professions like law, health, education, engineering, and IT.

The workshop featured notable speakers who shared valuable insights and personal experiences:

  • Joel Powon (ABSA SME Regional Manager) stressed the importance of work ethics and networking.
  • Ann Maina (Agile Coach, Safaricom) advocated for an agile approach to career planning and provided an analogy to help students identify opportunities and manage risks.
  • Ian King (Entrepreneur) shared his personal journey and donated four impactful books which had a profound impact on his career trajectory and his relationship with money.
  • Winfred Nyokabi (NOMADIT Events) highlighted the growing significance of remote work, resilience, and IT skills.
  • Dr. Sandra Sebitosi-van Jaarsveld (Entrepreneur, Pretoria) shared strategies for balancing work and life while navigating challenges in a foreign country.
  • Dr. Diana Abuodha (Medical Services Manager, Avenue Healthcare) discussed healthcare opportunities and her academic improvement journey through better study habits.
  • Grace Kamau (HR Business Partner, Save the Children) encouraged adaptability and openness to change in the evolving workforce.
  • Epher Wanambisi (Nurse, Barnes Jewish Hospital) shared experiences in nursing and emphasized the diverse opportunities within the field.
  • Ann Njeri spoke about the value of character, resilience, and meaningful friendships in achieving one’s dreams.
  • Dr. Josephine Muiru (Pharmaceutical Industry) detailed her career transition from clinical practice to pharmaceuticals, outlining the risks and rewards.
  • John Smith (Aviation Engineer) addressed substance abuse challenges in fast-paced careers, particularly in the aviation industry.
  • Nkatha Omondi (Lawyer) provided an overview of various legal career paths and opportunities.

The students explored concepts like Ikigai, which encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and live a life filled with purpose and joy, career duality, and the distinctions between jobs, careers, and callings. They also engaged in activities and discussions tailored to their age and academic levels, enhancing their understanding of career planning and personal growth. 

This enriching experience left participants motivated, equipped with actionable insights, and prepared to navigate their future career journeys. We strive to continue having initiatives that will transform the live of our students.