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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DirectEd Coding Program Graduation

In a significant effort to bridge the tech gap and equip students with coding skills, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation in April 2023 to offer coding training for high school graduates. This partnership aimed to empower the graduates with coding proficiency, opening doors to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry. The program has been taking place for the last few months and was divided into three progressively intensive parts. 

Our students were making use of the Elimu Hub for the use of computers to access learning materials and carry out personal learning. Throughout their learning journey, they undertook a comprehensive curriculum comprised of five modules. These modules encompassed a diverse range of coding concepts and principles, and in the final module, the students were expected to each develop individual projects where they were to create innovative apps designed to address real-life problems.

After the completion of the program, a graduation ceremony was held on the 16th of August at Kenyatta University to recognize the participant’s remarkable achievements. Among those present were students not only from NRCF but also from partner schools, including Kagumo Boys High School, Mang’u Boys High School, and Maryhill Girls High School. The event was graced by distinguished speakers who lent their wisdom. Izzat Begum, a member of the Board of Trustees at DirectEd, articulated the importance of fostering girls’ empowerment within the tech space. Shahaf Bar-Geffen, the CEO of COTI, was the keynote speaker, and he offered perspectives on navigating the tech landscape. Simon, the CEO of DirectEd, also offered a brief speech. Our Programs Director, Kelvin Thuku was also in attendance. The students were then given their certificates with different levels of recognition to mark their successful completion of the program and become the first cohort graduates of this great initiative from the DirectEd Development Foundation. 

Armed with skills in front-end and full-stack development, we have no doubt that our students will leave an unerasable mark in the tech space. We are entirely grateful to DirectEd Development Foundation for equipping our students with these skills. We would also love to show appreciation to the Cardano Community especially those that sponsored our students through this program. We are extremely proud of our graduates for working hard and attaining this recognition. 

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The Empowerment Story of Hellen

My name is Hellen, and I am a proud alumni of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Joining the program was a journey. I attended GSU primary school, where I laid the foundation for my academic pursuit. I completed my primary education and got the opportunity to join a girls boarding high school in Limuru.

Hellen-Age 13

During high school, I excelled academically and nurtured my talents and passions, focusing on self-improvement and personal growth. Participated in high jump competitions, marathons, and environmental clubs, developing appreciation for nature. After graduating high school I attended Belmont College’s computer packages classes through NRCF program.

Later joined the Institute of Advanced Technology and started my a course in Business Administration and Management. It was a period of personal growth and after completing the certificate level, I took a Diploma in the same course. I then proceeded for attachment at the Kenyatta National Hospital where I served as an administrator. My dedication and commitment to work did not go unnoticed as a doctor at the facility recognized my potential during this period and I then also worked as his personal assistant.

After graduating college, the doctor hired me as his personal assistant due to my work ethic during the attachment period. I enjoy using my management skills, interacting with various professions, and expanding my network . I am now able to support myself and my family with this job.

The program has empowered me through quality education and well-being, shaping me into the woman I am today. As I aspire for my future, I recognize the vital role it played in shaping me. I am forever appreciative.

Transform a life today.

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Ngong Road Alumni Youth Group: Empowering Members Through Collective Efforts

A photo of some of the members during the last NRAYG meeting

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we go beyond the ordinary definition of empowerment. We not only empower our students within the 4 walls of a classroom but also nurture their growth beyond the boundaries of academic learning. This commitment led to the birth of the NRCF Alumni Youth Group (NRAYG), an inspiring self-help group comprised of dedicated alumni from the program.

Officially registered on the 10th of November 2022, NRAYG emerged as a beacon of hope for its members and it rests on a powerful belief in the strength of unity and collective effort. Through a systematic approach to savings and lending, NRAYG empowers its members to conquer financial challenges and achieve personal growth. Each month, contributions are made by the 33 active members who are dedicated alumni working towards financial freedom. 

The NRCF Alumni Youth Group’s core objectives are centered around elevating its members’ living standards. The group creates a force that propels individuals towards their dreams and aspirations by pooling resources. Drawing on support from NRCF and various esteemed organizations, including Safaricom, NRAYG strives to secure grants and funding for its development initiatives. The wise leadership comprising of a Chairperson, secretary, and treasurer ensures that NRAYG maintains financial transactions that are transparent and accountable. 

The group conducts quarterly meetings, thoughtfully blending both physical and virtual meetings to enable seamless participation. During these meetings, updates on the group’s progress, future plans, and any challenges are addressed. With unwavering determination, the group is looking forward to securing a grant from Safaricom’s Ndoto Zetu Phase 2. They are also working on submitting a formal proposal for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund by the end of August 2023. These grants if attained, will provide a significant boost to the group’s economic endeavors, helping them to extend their reach and impact. 

As the group continues to thrive, they aspire to give back to the NRCF program. Their long-term goal involves sponsoring a child or two, passing the spirit of empowerment, and nurturing a new generation of dreamers and achievers. NRCF is proud of the NRAYG and we will continue to offer support as they strive to create impact. 

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Emmanuel, the certified software engineer graduate

My name is Emmanuel, and I am pleased to be among the graduating class of 2023 at Moringa School! I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) program in 2013, when I was just about to complete my primary school education. I enrolled at one of their elementary focus schools, where I sat for my national examinations. I got a good grade, which enabled me to secure a place at a boys boarding school in Nairobi. During my time here, I discovered a passion for rugby. I joined the school’s rugby team; it was a great way to engage myself in an extracurricular activity while still studying. Once I graduated from high school, I knew that I wanted to venture into the world of computers. In 2018, I joined Kenyatta University to take a degree course in Mathematics and Computer Science. I immersed myself in the world of numbers, algorithms, and programming languages.

During my third year at Kenyatta University, I felt the need to enhance my practical skills in Software Engineering. To pursue this interest, I decided to take a break from my degree course and enroll in a certificate course in Software Engineering at Moringa School. Before starting my course at Moringa, I had the opportunity to join the TechMates program as a developer intern. Taking my course while still interning was a really good experience, as I got to put the skills I was learning to use and learn new concepts that were not necessarily taught in class. 

After 6 months of learning, I completed my certificate course, and on the 30th of June, I graduated at the top of my class! I am proud of myself for this achievement, and I hope to hit even greater milestones in the future. My gratitude goes out to my sponsor and the NRCF/FoNR program for believing in my abilities and helping me realize my dreams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHQ225RQUkY

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Gloria’s Story of Resilience and Opportunity: From financial hardship to educational success

My name is Gloria, and I was born and raised in Nairobi. My parents encountered financial difficulties throughout my early childhood, which made it difficult to ensure my continued education. Despite my desire to attend school on a regular basis, my inability to do so sometimes made me feel discouraged. This immediately changed when I was given the opportunity to join the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).

I was enrolled in one of the organization’s focus schools after joining the program. I sat for my national exams, finishing my primary education. I performed well in the exams and was able to gain admission to a girls high School in Narok. I completed my high school education and graduated. The NRCF program has computer package training that is usually undertaken by high school graduates before joining higher learning institutions, and so in March, I started the training.

Amidst the training, the DirectEd Development Foundation partnered with NRCF to offer coding courses to high school graduates. I was privileged to participate in the introductory program of the DirectEd bootcamp. This program involved an examination that I passed, and I qualified to join the main bootcamp, where I received an access scholarship. This scholarship provided me with a laptop, which has been instrumental in my learning journey during the bootcamp. Moreover, I was provided with a wifi device that ensures uninterrupted internet access, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the program’s online resources and coursework even when I am at home.

I would like to pursue Project management, and this would be a way for me to offer something valuable to people and companies. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my sponsors, Susan and Steve, for always ensuring that I get the best quality education, which has enabled me to hit all these milestones. I am also grateful to the program for its invaluable support in ensuring my holistic development.

Watch Gloria’s transformation Video

Transform a life.