Friends of Ngong Road

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

By Leave a Comment

Godfrey, the Talented Barista and Mixologist

My name is Godfrey, and I’m proud to be an alumnus of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Foundation (NRCF). My journey in education and the professional world has been an exciting and transformative one, and I owe much of it to the support and opportunities I received during my time at NRCF.

I began my educational journey at NRCF in 2010 at Jagiet Academy, and it was here that I completed my primary education. In 2015, I embarked on a new chapter when I joined Parklands Boys High School. During my time at Parklands Boys, I wasn’t just a student; I was an active participant in various extracurricular activities. I played hockey and chess, and I also took on the role of a peer counselor, helping fellow students navigate the challenges of their academic journey and mental well-being. 

After completing my high school education, I decided to pursue my passion for creating beverages and cocktails. I enrolled at Nairobi Bar School in 2019, where I had the opportunity to learn mixology skills. I earned a Certificate in Barista Skills, which was a three-month program, followed by a six-month Diploma in Professional Bartending and Mixology.

In April 2022, I took my first step into the world of professional mixology and bartending by joining Savoan Harvest in Karen. Initially starting as a bartender and mixologist, I quickly demonstrated my dedication and skills, earning a promotion to the role of Bar Manager within just four months. As a Bar Manager, my responsibilities included maintaining stock levels, preparing cashier reports at the close of business, and devising innovative promotional concepts to boost bar revenue. This experience allowed me to not only showcase my mixology skills but also develop strategic thinking in the field.

In January 2023, I moved to work as a Mixologist at INTI in Westlands, further expanding my experience and expertise in crafting unique and delightful cocktails. I worked here till August 2023. My journey as a mixologist has been a thrilling one, and I look forward to continuing to pursue my passion in this field.

As I seek new opportunities in my career, I am currently on the lookout for a position as a mixologist or barista. I’m excited about the prospect of utilizing my knowledge and skills to create innovative and exciting beverages for customers to enjoy. Additionally, I aspire to venture into entrepreneurship in the future, where I can establish my own establishment and share my love for mixing and crafting beverages with the world.

I am immensely grateful to NRCF for their sponsorship and support during my formative years. Their assistance played a vital role in making my dreams come true and setting me on the path to a fulfilling career in mixology. I am excited about the future, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.

Transform a life.

By Leave a Comment

Sexual Reproductive Health Training for Youth Peer Providers at NRCF

In a recent training program held at NRCF, a group of enthusiastic young individuals embarked on a journey to become better-equipped Youth Peer Providers (YPPs) in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). This training was held from the 5th to the 7th of October with an aim to add to the existing knowledge that the Youth Peer Providers have in order for them to deliver SRH education effectively to students in the program. The training was carried out by volunteers from the Enkare Oltau Foundation.

Day 1: Building Foundations

The first day of training commenced with self-introductions, emphasizing the importance of making lasting impressions and effective icebreakers, crucial skills for working with teenagers and peers. The participants openly shared their expectations, with many hoping to increase their knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and better manage emerging issues in the field. The day’s agenda covered fundamental topics such as sex, sexuality, sexual reproductive health, personality, identity, self-esteem, sexual orientation, and emerging trends in SRH. The day also delved into gender fluidity, a pressing concern in SRHR, emphasizing understanding and respecting different gender identities and expressions.

Day 2: Deepening Knowledge

Topics covered for the day included love and sex, relationships, components of SRHR, and long-term relationships.

In a group work format, trainees were divided into four groups to discuss and present specific SRHR components, such as STIs, pregnancy, teen pregnancy, abortion, adolescent SRH, and contraception and family planning. The practical highlight of the day was a demonstration of self-testing kits, which was a new learning experience for all participants. This demonstration inspired a request for more kits and discussions on collaborating with Community Health Volunteers or the nearest County Hospital for further training and supplies.

Day 3: Exploring Taboos

The agenda for the day covered sensitive topics, including masturbation, SRH legal policies, SRH for marginalized communities, and mental health management for SRH facilitators.

Masturbation became a focal point of discussion, with the trainees expressing a strong desire for more in-depth knowledge. This day marked the end of the training.

The SRH training provided youth peer providers with valuable insights and skills to become effective facilitators in SRH education. The program empowered these young individuals with the knowledge, sensitivity, and tools they need to address SRH challenges and make a lasting impact. The dedication of both trainers and trainees to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment promises a brighter future for SRHR education and support. Our gratitude goes out to the volunteers at the Enkare Oltau Foundation for taking the time to carry out this refresher training for our Youth Peer Providers.

By Leave a Comment

Deborah’s story: a perfect example of diversifying skills

My name is Deborah, and I have had a journey of growth and learning that led me to where I am today. It all began back in 2008 when I joined Ngong Road Children’s Foundation as a class one student. Little did I know that the organization would become a significant part of my life, shaping my educational and professional path.

During my primary education, I attended Jagiet Primary School from 2008 to 2015. It was a place where I not only gained knowledge but also developed a strong sense of community and compassion. The values instilled in me during those years continue to guide me today. For my secondary education, I moved on to Sacred Heart Secondary School in Mirithu, where I spent four memorable years from 2016 to 2019. 

After completing my secondary education, I decided to take a step towards turning my passion into a profession. From September to November 2022, I enrolled in Vera Beauty College to pursue a certificate course in makeup and eyebrows. This experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the world of cosmetics. It was a fulfilling journey where I sharpened my abilities and gained a greater appreciation for the art of makeup. I am currently awaiting graduation from this course. 

I have recently, made the exciting decision to join the NRCF Techmates team as a digital marketing intern. I had heard about the program and was immediately drawn to the prospect of gaining practical skills in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. During my three-month internship as a Techmate, I will learn about the different aspects of Digital Marketing such as social media management, search engine optimization, and content creation.

I aspire to leverage the skills I will acquire during my internship to embark on a freelancing journey after three months. Freelancing will not only allow me to apply my digital marketing expertise but also give me the flexibility to explore and take on diverse projects while still allowing me to pursue my passion in the beauty industry.  I am entirely grateful to the NRCF program for the life-changing opportunity of being able to get quality education. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Transform a life today.

By Leave a Comment

Waiting students

Victor

Victor is a 9-year-old boy on the waiting list for a sponsor for almost a year. His dreams clash with the harsh realities of life in the slums. He shares a humble home with his parents and five older siblings. A home filled with love, but often strained by the weight of limited resources. His mother, a tireless casual laborer, and his father, navigating through “Juakali” jobs, try their best to provide for the family. But their efforts still bring uncertainty, as these jobs offer no promises for daily or long-term work.

One thing stands as a beacon of hope for Victor: education. He is full of potential, but limited financial resources make it hard for him to consistently be in school. His mother’s voice carries pride and concern as she speaks of her son’s yearning for education. She knows that with a sponsorship, Victor will perform exceptionally well. A consistent education would be the key to unlocking his future. Victor’s favorite subject is English, and he would like to become a dentist in the future.

Victor’s story is a plea for a worthy chance. A chance to nurture potential, to empower dreams, and to transform a life. Every coin invested in Victor’s education is a brick laid in the foundation of a future that holds promise not only for him but for the community that he will serve.  Consider sponsoring Victor.

Angel

Meet Angel, a 10-year-old young girl ready to embark on a journey to transformation through education, but this has proven hard for her over the years. Every morning, she has to board a matatu (public bus) to school because of how far the school is, and there are times when her parents, burdened by life’s challenges, struggle to afford her transportation. On the days her parents can’t afford her bus fare, she has to wake up earlier and walk to school. However, transportation is just one of the many hurdles she faces. Angel’s father, once the provider of the family, now battles elephantiasis, leaving him confined to his bed. Her mother, now the sole provider, works as a casual laborer while still taking care of their infant, other children, and their home.  The ability to keep Angel in school is becoming increasingly difficult.

Amidst all these challenges, Angel remains a hardworking student. Math and English are her favorite subjects, and she aspires to become a medical doctor. Her aspiration to become a doctor is not just a vision but a testament to her boundless potential. She is also a gifted artist who loves to sketch creative drawings. 

A sponsorship for Angel would be an investment in her potential, a commitment to nurturing the bright future that she represents. With your generosity, you can encourage her artistic talent, fuel her love for learning, and ultimately shape her into the medical doctor she aspires to be. Your compassion will be the cornerstone upon which Angel’s success story is built. Consider sponsoring Angel.

Join us in this journey, where every sponsorship is a step towards a rewarding future for a student in need.

By Leave a Comment

Moving Forward From High School

The journey from high school to higher education is an exciting and transformative one. Our 2022 high school graduates were provided with impactful experiences and training programs before embarking on their post-secondary journey. From life skills to career guidance, sexual health education to computer literacy, and more, the graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Life Skills and Sexual Reproductive Health Training

High school graduates began with crucial training in Life Skills. We designed this training to provide them with skills that will establish a solid foundation as they transition into a more socially oriented learning environment.

These skills, ranging from effective communication and time management to problem-solving and decision-making, are not only vital for academic success but also for personal growth and development. 

Our older students, trained as Youth Peer Providers, conducted a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health session for them. In a world where informed decisions are crucial, this training empowered the graduates to make responsible choices about their sexual health.

Computer Packages   

In today’s technologically driven world, proficiency in basic computer skills is important for success in any field. This training, offered by Belmont College, introduced them to the world of technology and started their interaction with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, email, and the Internet. They also received certificates at the end of their learning.

Post-Secondary Career Camp

This camp, designed to prepare them for their academic journey, included career training sessions and insights into the college and university placement process. Engaging discussions with buddies,” who are post-secondary students pursuing various careers, provided the graduates with valuable insights into different courses of study and helped them better understand life as a post-secondary student.

Volunteering Program

Recognizing the importance of gaining real-world experience, the graduates attended a 1-week volunteer program. This exposed them to the inner workings of various firms, schools, and organizations, providing them with a glimpse of how the professional world functions. This firsthand experience not only gave them insights into the different industries but also helped them understand the dynamics of a work environment.

Coding Bootcamp and Scholarship Committee Interviews

Through our partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation, the graduates embarked on a coding boot camp. This intensive 3-part program offered by tutors from DirectEd allowed them to develop coding skills, with students achieving varying levels of expertise, such as becoming full-stack developers or front-end developers.

The graduates also presented their chosen courses to the scholarship committee. This stage is crucial before they join the different higher learning institutions, as their courses are either approved or rejected. 

With these skills in hand, our 2022 graduates are about to join their new learning institutions to pursue their post-secondary courses. We have 7 students going to take degree courses, 12 going to take diploma courses, and 9 going to take certification courses. After completing various training sessions and learning, we believe they are well-prepared to begin their new learning journey. We wish them all the best, and we hope to see them transform their lives through education.