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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Kevin, the student with 2 prominent role models

My name is Kevin, and I became a part of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) back in 2017, right when I was in grade 6. My life growing up was centered around my mother and my younger brother. Those early days were filled with dreams and aspirations, and the NRCF program program opened doors I never thought possible. I attended Jagiet Academy, where I received my primary education. Following that, I sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and achieved something I am truly proud of—I emerged as the 3rd top-performing student in the NRCF program that year. It was a testament to hard work and dedication paying off. The year 2019 marked a significant milestone for me as I completed my primary education

In 2020, I transitioned to Upper Hill High School, where I am currently in my final year. Throughout my high school journey, I have found my passion lies in two subjects: mathematics and chemistry. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of both the math and science clubs, which have allowed me to delve deeper into these subjects, nurturing my curiosity and love for learning. As I prepare to sit for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, I have set my sights on achieving a B+ grade. This is my ticket to my dream university, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where I aspire to study chemical engineering. The prospect of becoming an engineer and making a positive impact on the world through science excites me beyond words.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my role models who have inspired me throughout my journey. Greg Mortenson, an American speaker and writer, has shown me the power of education and determination. Similarly, Ben Carson, a writer, politician, and retired neurosurgeon, has demonstrated the incredible heights one can reach with perseverance and a thirst for knowledge. Reading their stories has fueled my ambition to transform my life through education and hard work.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my sponsor, Susan, who has stood by me every step of the way, helping to turn my educational dreams into reality. I am also immensely grateful to the NRCF program for equipping me with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. I want to transform my life and give back to my community and country, all thanks to the opportunities provided by the NRCF program.

Empower a child’s future.

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Meet Natalia who Aspires to Become an Army Police

My name is Natalia and I live with my mother and sister, and we share a close bond. Currently, I’m a student in grade 6 at Nelson Mandela School, and I have a strong passion for a particular subject – Agriculture. It’s incredible to learn about how we can take care of the environment and contribute positively to our planet through this subject. In addition to my studies, I’m an active participant in extracurricular activities at school. One of my favorites is playing football. It’s not just a game for me; it’s a way to stay active and make friends. Besides school, I also have a wonderful Saturday routine. I eagerly look forward to the Saturday program at NRCF because it’s filled with fun games and activities that bring so much excitement to my weekends.

Initially, I was part of the dance group, but I later made the decision to join the Taekwondo team, which I absolutely adore. Taekwondo has taught me discipline, self-defense, and how to push my limits. It’s a sport that empowers me and brings out the best in me. One of my absolute favorite places at NRCF is the Elimu Hub, particularly the library. I have a deep love for reading storybooks, and the library is like a treasure for me. I use it not only for my personal reading but also to find books that can help me with my schoolwork. Knowledge is power, and I believe that reading opens up a world of possibilities.

Another part of the Elimu Hub that I find fascinating is the computer lab. During my free time, I enjoy writing letters to my sponsor, expressing my gratitude for their support, and sharing updates about my life. I also like to unwind by playing games on the computer.

When I think about my future, I have a strong aspiration. I dream of becoming an army police officer because I want to contribute to the safety and well-being of my country. It’s a challenging path, but I’m determined to work hard and make a positive impact.

I am grateful to NRCF for the incredible education sponsorship they provide. It’s not just about receiving an education; it’s about the opportunities, the friendships, and the experiences that have enriched my life. NRCF has been a guiding light in my journey, and I am excited to see where my education and determination will take me in the years to come.

Transform a child’s life.

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Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Participation in the 4th Annual Youth Climate Summit and Festival

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) recently had the privilege of participating in the 4th Annual Youth Climate Summit and Festival, a two-day event organized by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This event aimed to engage and empower Africa’s youth population to take meaningful action on climate change. The summit featured a range of objectives, including amplifying the voices of communities, highlighting young people as climate resilience ambassadors, and strategically developing pathways to influence sustainable climate change and development through collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other industry players.

One of the highlights of our participation in this important summit was the involvement of our very own Employment Programs Officer, Martha Atieno, who is also an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Martha had the honor of being one of the panelists in discussions centered around the role of youth in addressing climate change. Her insights and expertise added a valuable perspective to the dialogue and emphasized the importance of involving young leaders in the fight against climate change.

Additionally, NRCF had the opportunity to be among the exhibitors at the event, where we showcased our organization’s mission to empower and transform lives through education. Our presence at the summit allowed us to connect with attendees, share information through brochures, and exchange ideas with those interested in supporting our mission. We were heartened to see the enthusiasm and interest from attendees at the summit who were eager to support our cause. Some individuals expressed a willingness to donate and contribute to our mission. To facilitate this support, we provided them with the necessary means to make contributions. We also emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change and its interconnected challenges, including education and poverty alleviation. We hope that this engagement will lead to lasting partnerships and increased support for our initiatives.

Participating in the 4th Annual Youth Climate Summit and Festival was a significant milestone for the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. It provided us with a platform to engage with like-minded organizations, share our mission, and garner support for our educational initiatives. The event also allowed us to contribute to important discussions on climate change and youth empowerment. We are committed to building on these connections and collaborations to further our mission of empowering and transforming lives through education, while also actively participating in the global effort to combat climate change.

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Risper’s Journey and Future Aspirations

My name is Risper, and I’m currently a dedicated form 4 candidate at St. Angela’s Girls High School. The journey I’ve undertaken to reach this point has been filled with challenges, but my determination and the support I have received have shaped me into who I am today. I reside in the humble area of Kawangware, alongside my loving parents and two wonderful siblings. Growing up, life presented its difficulties, and my parents faced the tough reality of not being able to afford my school fees. Consequently, there were instances where I was sent back home due to unpaid fees. Those were difficult times for me and my family, and it seemed like a dream to pursue education without financial constraints.

However, a turning point in my life came in 2014 when I was in grade 3. I had the privilege of joining Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and from that moment, my educational journey took a positive turn. I was fortunate enough to enroll in Jagiet Academy, where I completed my primary education in 2019. The door to a brighter future was opened wider when I gained admission to St. Angela’s Girls High School in 2020.

Beyond academics, I’ve discovered my passion for sports and arts. Volleyball has become a significant part of my life, allowing me to learn valuable life skills while keeping physically active. Additionally, I’ve found immense joy in expressing myself through dance, which led me to become a part of the school’s dance group.

Currently, my focus is on preparing for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations scheduled for November. My goal is to achieve a B- grade, reflecting the dedication and hard work I’ve put into my studies. Looking ahead, I have aspirations of joining Dedan Kimathi University to pursue a course in journalism. My admiration for news anchor Jeff Koinange has fueled this interest, and I aspire to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful impact through storytelling.

Furthermore, I have a strong desire to give back to my community through social work. I envision engaging in social work as a part-time endeavor, as I believe in the power of contributing positively to the lives of others.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my sponsors, Mike and Leah Switzer. Their generous sponsorship has not only allowed me to pursue my education but has also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude. Additionally, I’m immensely thankful to the NRCF program for stepping into my life and making a lasting, positive impact.

Transform a child’s life today.

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Raymond, the Certified Full-Stack Developer

Raymond receives his certificate at the graduation ceremony

My name is Raymond and I embarked on my transformational journey when I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) in 2014. Back then, I was a student in grade 4 and I was really happy to become a part of NRCF and start my empowering journey in education. I joined Jagiet Academy where I completed my primary education. After primary school, I transitioned to Makwa Boys High School. This is where my passion for Computer Science began.

This newfound passion made me reconsider my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Upon completion of my high school studies, I was eager to pursue a career in Software Engineering. I began the computer package training that Belmont College was offering under the program in January. In April, NRCF entered into a partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation where high school graduates, would be trained in coding and developer skills. I was excited about this partnership, as I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to pursue.

Through my time learning from DirectEd tutors, I underwent a series of modules, each contributing to my growth. However, it was the final module that truly put my skills to the test.

The task was to develop an individual app project capable of addressing real-world problems. My project was termed the “Terminal” and it was a messaging app aimed at providing a platform for seamless communication. Despite the extensive knowledge I had gained, I still needed to bridge some gaps. In order to bridge these gaps, I embarked on another course to learn about socket.io. This is a technology that facilitates real-time and bidirectional communication between web clients. 

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned to my project to enhance it. The results were impressive, as “Terminal” stood out as one of the best projects in the class, receiving a score of 60 out of 75. After all the learning, I finally secured merit in Full-Stack Development. I received my certificate during the graduation ceremony. It was held on the 16th of August for the 1st cohort of graduates from the DirectEd coding program. I felt honored.

I am grateful for the support from NRCF and for the learning at DirectEd that has propelled me towards my goal. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue building my skills, exploring new avenues in software development, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Transform a life today.