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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September 21, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

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.

September 21, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Camp Photo Slideshow

Watch this interesting 1:04 minute camp photo slideshow

September 18, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Meet EntrepreneurMercy

Showing entrepreneurial spirit, Mercy is also a small business owner. She bought a car and started a one-car rental business through which she earns about as much as she earns in her job. She also volunteers for the Kenyan Red Cross, distributing sanitary supplies so girls are able to stay in school during their menstrual cycle. Mercy exemplifies how the love, support, and education our children receive can transform into a productive and generous life. print

August 21, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Gift Ephy with the Gift of Education!

Meet Ephy, a 9-year-old girl filled with dreams and aspirations that are yet to be fulfilled. Ephy has been waiting for a sponsor for over a year now, and her window is closing. She lives in a humble home, surrounded by love from her parents and her younger brother. But life hasn’t been easy for this family, as they rely on the uncertainty of casual labor for their daily bread. Imagine the weight on her father’s shoulders, waking up each day not knowing if there will be work to sustain the family’s needs. Ephy’s mother, with her ill leg, carries a burden of her own as she devotes her days to caring for their precious little brother.

Despite the obstacles, Ephy is an incredibly dedicated student, cherishing every opportunity to learn. She understands the true value of education, knowing that it holds the key to a brighter future. An education sponsorship is her beacon of hope, the golden ticket to a better life. Ephy’s heart beats with a passion for gymnastics, a world where she feels free and alive. In those moments of joy, she dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but these dreams are elusive as financial constraints threaten to steal away her chance at an education.

By supporting Ephy’s educational dreams, you’re not just providing her with a chance at quality education. You’re giving her the wings she needs to soar toward her dreams and transform her life. Your compassionate sponsorship will make a world of difference, opening doors that she never thought possible. Be the shining light that guides Ephy’s path and helps her reach for the stars by providing educational sponsorship for this incredible young girl. Your kindness will echo through time, leaving a lasting impact on a life filled with promise. It doesn’t end there, you can also see more waiting students or donate to support other students and initiatives in the program. Your secure donation will be a worthwhile investment that can break the cycle of poverty for a student. Donate now and let the magic of education flourish in the heart of a young dreamer like Ephy.

Sponsor Ephy!

June 22, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Camp is back!

Students in Orange
students at grammar camp

We are delighted to announce the return of camp! After a pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have resumed our camps, and they are better than ever. NRCF Camp is designed to provide educational value and a fun-filled experience, as well as an opportunity for our students to spend much-needed time outside of the slums. Camp empowers students by equipping them with essential skills for their futures.

We have restructured camp based on school levels to enhance its effectiveness and will take place throughout the year instead of in August. The camps include:

  • Grammar Camp 
  • Junior Camp
  • Senior Camp 
  • Post-Secondary Career Camp
  • Alumni Camp
Students at senior camp

For the younger students, our Grammar Camp will be a one-day event. This camp will include a visit to a national park or conservancy, providing an exciting opportunity for exploration and adventure.

Junior Camp aims to inspire curiosity and provide students with tools and support to realize their potential. Offering a blend of fun activities, promoting innovation and creativity, life skills development, and projects aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum newly taught in Kenyan schools. 

Senior Camp supports the smooth transition to secondary school. They will engage in team-building activities and workshops focused on personal development and goal setting. They will prepare older students to act as buddies to the younger students. Camps cultivate confidence and resilience in students, equipping them with vital soft skills for navigating high school successfully.

The Post-Secondary Career Camp took place from April 21st to 23rd with the theme “WePower PS Career Camp,”. This camp focused on empowering students as they explored various career options and gained insights into the placement process and post-secondary life. The camp included discussions between high school graduates paired with “buddies”, post-secondary students in a variety of careers. External facilitators shared valuable insights about career choices and course selection.

Alumni Camp and the Post-Secondary Career Camp took place earlier this year. The Alumni Camp, held from January 20th to 22nd celebrated the achievements of the 2022 post-secondary graduates and welcomed them into the Alumni Department. The camp featured job preparedness training, employability skills development, and emotional intelligence workshops. Participants received valuable training from “Be The Leader” (an organization in Kenya providing this specialized training). They covered topics such as job interview skills, entrepreneurship, and career development. These sessions empowered the alumni and enhanced their competitiveness in the job market.

students at alumni camp

We are thrilled to bring back our camps. We eagerly anticipate the students’ acquisition of new knowledge and the joy they will experience through these activities.

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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

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