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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Nancy, the aspiring nutritionist

My name is Nancy and I am 18 years old. My hobbies are playing hockey and reading novels. I am currently reading a novel called’’ Making Life Easy’’ by Dr. Christiane Northrup. I love this book because, in a fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. However, with a few simple strategies from this book, we can simplify our routines, reduce stress, and create a more fulfilling and enjoyable existence. This book provides practical and actionable tips for making life easier. I also look up to the author of this book as she is one of my role models.

I come from a family of seven. I love white meat, specifically chicken and Rabbit. Last year, I sat for my end-of-secondary school national exams and am excited to join higher learning this year. I am currently spending time at the Elimu Hub, a resource center based at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation where I am undertaking my life skill sessions. I am learning different skills, including CV writing and job searching trends at the moment. 

In the future, I would like to pursue a course in nutrition and dietetics because of the love I have for ensuring every child can get a balanced diet. I would like to meet my role model, Dr. Christiane Northrup, to get more inspiration and I would also like to be a writer just like her. 

Transform a life today.  

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Dreams In The Sky

My name is Dornel and I am 14 years old. I live with my mom and I have two hobbies: art and playing football. I was inspired to pursue these hobbies by some of my relatives. When I create art, I feel a sense of freedom and joy. It allows me to express myself in ways that words cannot capture.

In 2018, I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation program which opened doors to endless possibilities in my life. After enrolling in Nelson Mandela Primary School, I was able to sit for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE) last year. Currently, I am waiting to join a good high school that aligns with my goals and ambitions, a school that sees the fire in my eyes and the dreams in my heart.

After high school, I would like to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering because of my love for airplanes. I have always been eager to learn how they operate and my ultimate dream is to build planes. I want to use my love for planes to make a difference and help people in the near future. I am grateful to the program for their support and to my sponsor for making it possible for me to get quality education that I know will open doors of opportunities for me. 

Transform a life today.

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Edmond’s Creative Venture

Meet Edmond, a student at Africa Nazarene University studying Mass Communication and who is about to graduate. He is the force behind Best Ed Creative Hub, a project that combines his creativity and business skills. Even though he is busy with his studies, Edmond is a modern creative thinker. He is good at understanding how communication works and is passionate about coming up with new ideas. He manages his academic and business responsibilities with skill and purpose.

Outside of classes and books, Edmond gets inspired by reading interesting novels and watching movies. He loves rap music for its clever lyrics and raw expression, and this inspiration shows in the lively and energetic work he does at Best Ed Creative Hub. Edmond also loves to explore new places. He enjoys traveling to different cultures and landscapes, and these adventures fuel his imagination, influencing the projects he works on at Best Ed Creative Hub.

Best Ed Creative Hub is Edmond’s passion project. What started as an idea in college has become a thriving space for creative people. Edmond leads the hub, creating an environment where imagination can grow, and different ideas come together. He is not only focused on his success; he is dedicated to helping other talented people too. He offers mentorship programs and resources to guide and inspire new visionaries. Best Ed Creative Hub is not just a business; it’s a symbol of Edmond’s commitment to building a community of creative minds.

As he gets ready to graduate, Edmond’s journey as an entrepreneur is just beginning. His goal for Best Ed Creative Hub goes beyond borders, aiming to make a lasting impact on the creative world. Edmond is the perfect example of someone who brings together education, creativity, and business. With a heart full of passion and a mind full of ideas, he’s ready to change how we see creative businesses.

Transform a life.

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Senior Camp 2023: Nurturing Resilience and Grit

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation organized a transformative Senior Camp from November 13th to November 17th, 2023, at the scenic Naivasha West Beach camp in Kongoni, Nakuru County. The camp aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022 KCPE graduates as they transitioned to Form One and acknowledge the accomplishments of the Form Three students of 2023. Under the overarching theme of “Developing Resilience and Grit,” the camp set out to instill passion and perseverance in the face of challenges to empower the students for success in high school.

A total of 43 campers enthusiastically participated, joined by a dedicated team of 12 staff members. To facilitate organization, the campers were divided into four teams, each comprising 10-11 members, each team distinguished by vibrant T-shirt colors. The spirited competition throughout the camp culminated in the yellow team being crowned as the victorious champions of the 2023 camp competitions.

The camp was a holistic experience, offering a diverse range of activities to enrich the participants physically, mentally, and emotionally:

Arts and Crafts: The students engaged in creativity through arts and crafts, where they learned to fashion friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity served a dual purpose of nurturing artistic expression and imparting entrepreneurial skills by demonstrating how readily available resources could be transformed into marketable items.

GRIT Training: Teams delved into the concept of GRIT, understanding the skills necessary to cultivate perseverance, particularly in the challenging environment of high school. This training equipped students with tools to navigate obstacles, ranging from academic pressures to peer influence.

Leadership and Motivation: Students were introduced to the servant leadership model, exploring the characteristics of effective leaders. The camp emphasized that leadership is a skill that can be acquired, dispelling the notion that one must be born a leader.

Field Trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa: A field trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa provided a unique learning experience, allowing students to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley and witness power generation from hot springs by KenGen. This excursion broadened their understanding of the environment and sustainable energy practices.

Crazy Olympics Sports: The camp incorporated fun and laughter with Crazy Olympics sports, including balloon relays and egg spoon relays, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills in a lighthearted atmosphere.

Nine Series Obstacle Race: The pinnacle of physical and mental challenges came in the form of a Nine Series Obstacle Race. Students engaged in a series of tasks designed to test their problem-solving skills, promoting resilience and adaptability.

The Senior Camp of 2023 was an immersive experience that not only celebrated achievements but also equipped students with essential life skills. Through a carefully curated mix of activities, the camp fostered creativity, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for the participants as they embarked on their high school journey. 

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Small Business Training Program

Through our 2022 Alumni Survey, a significant proportion of our graduates reported an interest in gaining business skills to assist them in starting their own full-time business or a side hustle business in addition to their primary sources of income. We started a Small Business Management Training Program earlier this year to train our graduates how to plan, establish, comply with local authorities, and run a profitable business. 

The training was divided into two phases: the introductory phase and the main training phase. 

  • 34 alumni attended the introductory phase (Introduction to Small Business and Taxation)
  • 20 qualified to proceed to the second phase (Small Business Management Training)
  • 10 completed both phases and graduated with a certificate and toolkit to start or grow their existing business. 

    The 10-week training took place in the Elimu Hub on our campus. It was facilitated by Be The Leader (BTL), an employability and job preparedness training organization. They are well qualified to provide training on employability, career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics to Kenyan youths.

    The Small Business Management Training Program provided our alumni with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, strategies, and practices. They learned about the importance of financial management, business ideas, and market research. The program also taught them how to create a comprehensive business plan, identify opportunities for innovation, and evaluate the feasibility of their business ideas. Financial management concepts were covered, including revenue, costs, profit, and cash flow. They were introduced to different funding options and legal structures for startups, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, and incorporation. Risk management was also covered, identifying potential threats and addressing them.

    The training program had a significant impact on the trainees, enhancing their knowledge and skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and enabling them to develop and refine business ideas. The program also fostered confidence and motivation in the trainees, empowering them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

    The graduation ceremony marked the end of the training program. They received a toolkit essential for their respective businesses and certificates, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their businesses.

    Our Small Business Management Training Program saw dedicated alumni graduate with essential skills and tools to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. This not only helps them transform their lives but also empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs!