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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Great Kids Looking for Great Sponsors

Brian

Brian wants to be an engineer.  He is an 11-year-old talented student, who needs a sponsor to help him continue his education and pursue his dream. Brian comes from a humble family which includes both his parents, a twin sister, and two other siblings. The financial constraints faced by Brian’s family make it challenging for them to consistently keep him and his siblings in school, let alone pay for all the other essential family needs.  Despite his family’s financial challenges, Brian remains dedicated to his education and aspires to make a difference in his community in his future. 

In his spare time, Brian indulges in his artistic talents, particularly drawing. He possesses a unique gift for the arts. His favorite subject in school is creative arts.

Brian’s parents are hopeful and firmly believe that with the support of a compassionate sponsor, he can complete his studies and achieve his goals. We believe that Brian’s potential is limitless, and with the right support, he can overcome the financial barriers hindering him and get the education he deserves. 

Sponsor Brian

Crystal

Crystal has a passion for learning and a drive for success.  Her aspirations extend beyond the ordinary; she dreams of becoming a pilot.

Crystal is a 9-year-old inquisitive girl who has a passion for learning and a drive for success. She excels academically, consistently ranking at the top of her class. She dreams of a future where she not only contributes to aviation but also wants to be the President of Kenya.

One of Crystal’s outstanding qualities is her leadership skills. Currently serving as a school leader, she takes responsibility for her class and demonstrates determination in the face of challenges. Crystal’s father speaks proudly of her, describing her as a child with immense potential, a resilient spirit, and one who doesn’t let failure stop her. She is not one to accept setbacks passively; instead, she embraces challenges with a willingness to learn and adapt. Although she excels in most subjects, her favorite subjects are math and science. Outside the classroom, she is a talented ballet dancer.

If Crystal is sponsored, she will enroll in one of our focus schools, where she will receive the education and support needed to continue to thrive academically and pursue her dreams. Your sponsorship will not only impact Crystal’s life but will contribute to the betterment of our society by empowering a driven and capable young girl.

Sponsor Crystal

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Employment Rebounds Post COVID

Our Alumni are Navigating the Employment Landscape post-Covid

In our commitment to measure our results, we conducted a comprehensive survey of our alumni. This survey sheds light on the achievements gained and challenges encountered as alumni navigate the employment market in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the respondents, 65% are currently earning an income, while 35% are in transition/seeking employment. This 65% employment rate is noteworthy as it surpasses the national average of 63% as of the fourth quarter of 2022 despite our population’s youthful composition, with youth unemployment usually higher than the population as a whole.  This marks a significant improvement compared to the pre-COVID data from 2019, where our alumni unemployment rate was 45%, compared to 62.6% for Kenya.

The survey reveals a blend of job stability and mobility over the past 12 months. Notably, 59% of respondents have maintained a consistent job, 17% reported a temporary absence from the workforce; while the remaining 24% had changed jobs more than once.

Within the cohort earning an income, roles are diverse. A commendable 49% are engaged as full-time employees, 14% have part-time roles, and 11% show entrepreneurial spirit as business owners.

Income distribution further underscores the success of our alumni. Astonishingly, 58% surpass the Kenyan legal minimum wage of 20K (Kenya Shillings) per month, enabling them to elevate their families and communities. About 42% earn between 10 and 19.9K, while 19% report earnings within the 30 to 49.9K range. And 10% earn over 50k Kenya Shillings per month.

Our alumni have a 52% engagement rate in formal employment (signed a contract with an established organization), while others are in the informal (casual labor or gig work) sectors or as business proprietors. For those within the formal sector, the ways our alumni have secured employment are diverse. A majority, 57%, found their positions through referrals, while 19% used online applications and job websites. 

A wide range of industries employ our alumni, with a significant percentage employed in the NGO sector (21%).  In the formal sector, industries employing our alumni include hospitality, hotel management, and beauty and personal care. We find it impressive that 36% of respondents hold managerial positions, with a commendable percentage (95%) overseeing teams of more than two individuals.

Respondents reporting informal employment mention referrals as pivotal in securing roles. Within the informal sector, 57% hold supervisory positions, and 23% have been promoted in the last year. A cohort of 13 respondents claim to be self-employed entrepreneurs, with 23% having at least one employee. Only 3 out of 13 have formal business registrations thus far, reflecting the newness of their enterprise.

For those in search of opportunities (35%), the challenges they cite range from limited capital (for the self-employed) to a scarcity of viable prospects in the formal sector.

The survey captures the narratives of our alumni, showcasing their resilience, determination, and dedication to success in the post-Covid era. We believe our results are representative, as 158 alumni (80%) participated out of a potential 198. The strong response rate indicates that our alumni place a high value on sharing their experiences, insights, and journeys.

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Women Empowerment

Empowering Women and Bridging Gender Disparities  

Our support of gender equality and women’s empowerment guides many of our programs. While strides toward this have been significant in Kenya, we are aware of the challenges that still persist, particularly in employment status and financial autonomy. Through our programs, existing disparities are being actively addressed, and we are seeing some promising outcomes, as revealed in a recent (August/September 2023) survey conducted amongst our alumni.

The survey gathered data from 158 out of 198 alumni (e.g., 80% participation). Within this group, 57% identified as female, while 43% identified as male. This parallels our community’s demographics, which are generally 60% female and 40% male.

The data show a remarkable convergence of female and male employment rates. In our alumni study, female employment, at 64%, is very near the male employment rate of 66% and above the overall 56% female employment rate In Kenya.  This achievement is significant given the historical disparities in labor force participation by women in Kenya.  Another encouraging gender dynamic is that our female alumni occupy an impressive 71% of supervisory positions despite constituting 57% of respondents.

Our study revealed a high level of financial autonomy among our female alumni. Over 66% of female alumni are living independently in comparison to males (49%) reflects evolving Kenyan societal norms that embrace women’s pursuit of autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Amongst our alumni, 64% of females are the primary providers within their homes, and 81% are providing at least some financial support to their households as compared to the national percentage of 36.4% (Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022).  Of the 9 females whose spouses are the main providers, only 2 had their husbands as their sole providers. Additionally, 48% of females possess savings, slightly surpassing the figure of 44% for males. This reflects the increasing financial consciousness and independence among women.

The survey findings provide a good perspective on alumni women’s empowerment, including employment status, transformation in familial roles, and financial independence. As we celebrate the advancements in female alumni employment rates and leadership positions, we will continue to address gender disparities. We aim to continue our successful programs to empower our women.

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Creating “Techies”


Because all jobs now require some level of digital literacy, we continue to invest in our digital literacy and technical programs, enriching the educational journey of students from their start in the program to becoming alumni. By utilizing two new dedicated facilities (Elimu Hub and Blockchain Lab) and new/expanded programs, we have enhanced our students’ technical education as follows:

Primary Students

Basic Computer Training to Get Students Started

The journey begins with Basic Computer Training (BCT), which introduces our students to computers. This is a weekly activity for our primary students. BCT acquaints them with essential computer operations, from typing to navigating the communication portal, making them comfortable using a computer and confident in corresponding with their sponsors.

Computer Applications Training to Become Effective

For the older primary students, being proficient in essential software applications is a crucial step. Through comprehensive training in Microsoft Office Suite, web browsers, file management, and more, students acquire the skills necessary for effective digital communication and documentation.  

Programming that Nurtures Future Innovators

Introducing young minds to the world of coding through Scratch, a user-friendly block-based language, fosters critical thinking and creativity. Students undertake exciting projects, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and setting the stage for future programming endeavors.

Creative Sessions to Encourage Artistic Expression

Recognizing the importance of artistic skills, we offer creative sessions that teach students to use tools like Canva and Paint. These skills enhance their artistic expression, encouraging well-rounded development.

Secondary Students

Advanced Computer Training to Unleash Academic Potential

Secondary students delve deeper into the realm of computers, harnessing them for academic research and innovation. The program teaches students to leverage technology for their scholarly pursuits, ensuring they are well-prepared for higher education.

Programming to Empower the Developers of Tomorrow

Programming education continues with secondary-level students mastering HTML, CSS, Javascript, and WordPress (which powers 43% of the internet). Armed with these fundamental languages, students construct their digital portfolios, showcasing their growth and capabilities.

Post-Secondary Students and Alumni

Computer Packages Certification to Improve Employability

This program extends our students’ knowledge of computer packages (Microsoft Office Applications, the Internet, etc.). After completion, they receive a certificate recognized nationally, which is very important when students apply for jobs as it affirms their computer literacy.

Coding Bootcamps to Build Deeper Programming Skills

Advanced programming sessions, known as coding boot camps, improve the coding skills of secondary graduates. Through intensive training, these students hone their programming abilities, thus positioning themselves as capable contenders in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Recently, we partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides free coding programs to high-potential students, to conduct a series of boot camps.

TechMates Program to Launch Alumni Into the Digital Frontier

The TechMates Training Program (a tech internship) is a transformative experience for our alumni. It provides three to six months of digital marketing and advanced programming skills training that not only enhances employability but also broadens their horizons in the digital realm. Since its inception in 2021, over 20 students have gone through the program, with most securing job opportunities within three months of completing their internship. TechMates have become freelancers for Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and Karibu Loo in Nairobi, Friends of Ngong Road in Minneapolis, and for our strategic partner, Lido Nation Foundation (a blockchain technology advocacy group), giving them vital real-world experience.

Science Mill Camp to Build STEM Knowledge

We are collaborating with Science Mill (an organization dedicated to fostering a love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in young minds) to conduct a one-week STEM training camp at our campus.

Students are exposed to hands-on learning activities, cutting-edge technology, and expert coaching from Science Mill educators. Our students experiment with robots, coding, scientific experiments, and creative problem-solving. This exposure enriches our kids’ educational experiences and provides them with valuable skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s business world.

Dedicated Facilities to Support Learning

Our two new facilities, the Elimu Hub and the Blockchain Lab, are centers of innovation. These dedicated spaces offer uninterrupted access to resources and foster technical exploration and growth for our students.

Powered by solar energy, our tech facilities ensure consistent and reliable access to technology, avoiding the problems caused by Nairobi’s inconsistent power supply, providing students with uninterrupted learning experiences.

To us, technical education is not just a program; it’s a transformative journey that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to thrive in any future career.