News Archives - Friends of Ngong Road

December 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

NRCF STEM Camp 2024: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The NRCF STEM Camp 2024 was a transformative, two-week journey that introduced 7th and 8th-grade students to the dynamic world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hosted at the NRCF Elimu Hub Center in partnership with Science Mill and Friends of Ngong Road, the camp aimed to inspire curiosity, nurture problem-solving skills, and open doors to exciting career opportunities in STEM.

A Two-Week Overview

Week 1: Biomimicry-Inspired Projects (Grade 7)
Students explored biomimicry, applying nature’s designs to solve real-world challenges. Projects included:

Smart Bin: An accessible, touch-free bin inspired by animal reflexes.
Rescue Kingfisher: A robotic bird for underwater rescue operations.
Jitterbug: A stress-relieving device modeled after a butterfly.

Week 2: Biomimicry-Inspired Projects (Grade 8)
Building on the previous week, Grade 8 students tackled advanced challenges with bio-inspired engineering. Highlights included:

Whale Robot: A water-cleaning robot based on a whale’s filtration system.
Security Sunflower: A solar-powered motion-sensing camera system.
Anglerfish Vessel: A deep-sea exploration vessel mimicking the anglerfish’s bioluminescence.

Hands-On Learning and STEM Career Exploration

Throughout the camp, students engaged in interactive lessons and activities designed to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications:

Robotics and Coding: Using Micro: bit and Hummingbird kits, students created “battle bots” and tackled engineering challenges.
Renewable Energy: Teams designed wind turbines and explored careers in energy engineering.
Food Science: Activities like making edible water balls and ice cream highlighted the intersection of science, creativity, and technology.

Career discussions introduced participants to diverse fields, from molecular gastronomy and robotics to ecology and renewable energy, igniting aspirations for future STEM roles.

Graduation Celebration

The camp concluded with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the participants’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Project Presentations: Students showcased their biomimicry-inspired projects to an impressed audience of peers, facilitators, and guests.
Certificates of Achievement: Each participant received a personalized certificate, recognizing their dedication and accomplishments.
A Sweet Finale: The event ended with a celebratory cake-cutting, leaving students with lasting memories of their STEM journey.

The NRCF STEM Camp 2024 was a resounding success, empowering 73 young minds with STEM knowledge, creativity, and confidence. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, facilitators, and volunteers.

We aim to expand the program to reach more students, incorporating diverse venues like research centers and nature reserves to enhance hands-on learning experiences. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and partners, including the Science Mill and Friends of Ngong Road, whose generous support made this camp possible. Your contributions empowered these young minds to explore their potential and inspired a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators. A special thank you to the facilitators, mentors, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the program’s success. Together, we can continue to spark innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.

December 6, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

NRCF Camps 2024

Camps are more than just a break from the usual academic routine; they are transformative experiences that shape students’ character, skills, and memories. Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 provided unique opportunities for students to grow in resilience, teamwork, and leadership while celebrating their achievements. These camps exemplify how engaging environments outside the classroom can inspire personal growth and lifelong learning.

Senior Camp 2024: Celebrating Resilience and Grit

The Senior Camp was organized to celebrate the Class of 2023 KCPE graduates (Form One students) and to recognize the accomplishments of Form Three 2024 students. The camp’s theme, “Developing Resilience and Grit,” emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance in overcoming obstacles to succeed in high school. Held from Monday, 18th November to Friday, 22nd November 2024, the camp took place at Naivasha West Beach Camp, Kongoni, Naivasha, in Nakuru County. A total of 52 campers were in attendance and they were divided into four teams of 13 members each, with distinct T-shirt colors for easy identification. By the end of the camp, the Yellow Team emerged as the winners of the 2024 camp competitions.

Camp Activities

Arts and Crafts
- Campers learned to create friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity fostered creativity and resourcefulness, showing participants how to make art from readily available materials. The skills learned could even be applied to create items for income generation.
GRIT Training
- Teams participated in training sessions focused on developing GRIT—the combination of passion and perseverance. Students explored the skills necessary to navigate challenges in high school, such as peer pressure and demanding academic schedules.
Leadership Development
- Students were taught essential leadership skills, including setting goals, overcoming challenges, building confidence, effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration. These sessions aimed to prepare students for leadership roles in their schools and communities.
Field Trip to Hell’s Gate and Geothermal Spa
- Participants enjoyed a field trip to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley. They also learned about geothermal energy production from hot springs at the KenGen facility, enriching their understanding of Kenya’s natural resources and sustainable energy.

Crazy Olympics Sports
- A series of fun and engaging games encouraged teamwork and problem-solving among students. These activities provided an opportunity for light-hearted competition and bonding.
Nine-Series Obstacle Race
- Campers competed in a challenging obstacle course designed to test their problem-solving abilities, perseverance, and teamwork. The nine-series challenge was a highlight of the camp, emphasizing resilience under pressure.

Grammar Camp 2024: A Celebration of Young Champions

This year’s Grammar Camp was a memorable and thrilling adventure held at Stedmark Gardens. Organized to celebrate students’ achievements throughout the year and mark their transition to new academic classes, the camp embraced the inspiring theme, “Celebrating Our Young Champions,” continuing the tradition from last year. The event brought together 30 enthusiastic students from Grades 4 and 6.

Activities

The camp’s schedule was packed with a variety of fun and educational activities designed to engage and inspire students:

Visit to the Animal Park

The highlight of the camp was an educational visit to the Animal Park, where students explored fascinating habitats and wildlife. Guided by experts, students learned about birds, snakes, lions, monkeys, tortoises, deer, llamas, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and ostriches.

Amusement Park Adventures

The amusement park was a hub of thrills and laughter as students enjoyed bouncing castles, a train ride, and other entertaining activities. The vibrant atmosphere added an extra layer of excitement to their day.

Swimming

A heated swimming pool provided a refreshing break for students. It was a perfect setting for relaxation, bonding, and engaging in aquatic fun.

Photography

Encouraged to capture their experiences, students embraced photography as a creative outlet. This activity not only fostered their creativity but also helped preserve the camp’s cherished memories.

Conclusion

The Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 demonstrated the incredible value of camps in students’ lives, offering avenues for skill-building, exploration, and celebration. Through activities that challenged their minds, bodies, and creativity, participants forged lasting bonds and discovered new strengths. Camps like these are vital in nurturing tomorrow’s champions and resilient leaders.

Join us in transforming lives today!

December 2, 2024 By Bellinda Githu Leave a Comment

John’s Memorable Visit to Kenya

I joined the Board of Friends of Ngong Road in 2020. Having been a sponsor for over 15 years and supporting the education of three students (two of whom are currently in high school), I have wanted to visit Kenya for many years and finally had the opportunity in October to see the program in person.

The experience was incredible. The highlight, of course, was meeting our sponsored students, Dennis and Wycliffe. We had been communicating for years, but to finally meet in person was something special. One day we went to the Elephant Orphanage, spent an afternoon go-karting, and did some shopping at a local mall (all first for the boys). I visited their homes where I met some of their siblings and saw how they live. Seeing the slums up close and the challenges they endure is very different from anything I have seen in the United States. Despite the challenges, they are two wonderful, resilient young men, working hard on their studies and excited about the future. The support they are receiving from the program has and will continue to change the trajectory of their lives.

Paula (Friends of Ngong Road founder) and I ventured out of Nairobi with five alumni on a day safari to Lake Naivasha and the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Noah, a graduate of the program with whom I have been corresponding for years, was one of the alumni who joined us. It was incredible to walk the trails and see the variety of animals up close – no fences! Over lunch, the alumni shared how much the program changed their lives, not only with the opportunity to go to a great school but also with the additional support and training they received to help them be successful. They are so grateful for it all. Most of them have great jobs and are now living on their own away from the slums.

On the following day, I visited three of our focus schools to learn about the local education system and how each school prepares its students for success. The school visits inspired further discussions on ways to enhance educational opportunities for future students.

I also spent time with the staff, learning more about the work they do. In particular, I worked with the marketing and IT team, brainstorming ways to raise awareness and convey the uniqueness of the program to Kenyans. I was impressed by how organized, professional, and passionate the entire staff is. They are the ones that make it all happen and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team.

It was a busy five days, but an experience I will never forget. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity and blessed with the engagement I had with so many wonderful people. Since my trip, our family has decided to sponsor another student, 10-year-old Mourine who had been waiting over a year for a sponsor. We are excited to be part of her journey.

December 2, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Elizabeth’s US Visit Inspires Supporters

In October, Elizabeth, an alumnus of the program and a Junior Advisory Board Member of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF- our operating partner in Nairobi), visited the United States for the first time. Elizabeth is the first program graduate to become a lawyer. She was invited as a special guest for the 2024 Community Gathering for Friends of Ngong Road. She is an example of the impact of our program and the success that can be achieved.

The community gathering in Minneapolis brought together supporters, staff, board members and sponsors all of whom have provided critical support for our mission. Elizabeth shared a unique perspective on her journey from the slums of Nairobi to being employed by a prestigious law firm.

Her life took a transformative turn in fourth grade when she joined the Friends of Ngong Road program and was matched with a sponsor. She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with commitment and determination, achieving success through excellent academic performance. Elizabeth shared how the Friends of Ngong Road program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Elizabeth’s success shows that with the right support, and personal determination, a child is capable of transforming their life.

Reflecting on the occasion, she said, “It was interesting to meet all the individuals who attended and gain insight and advice related to my career. The warmth and encouragement I received were inspiring, and I left with a renewed commitment to contribute to positive change.”

Her journey was filled with meaningful encounters, including a special meeting with her sponsors (Steve Smith and Deborah Zvosec) who have supported her educational journey. In addition to the Community Gathering, she presented at a reception hosted by Board Member Kim Jenson in St. Petersburg, Florida just before the hurricane arrived. She presented at small gatherings with donors and sponsors in Minneapolis, Edina, Stillwater, and Eastern Wisconsin.

Elizabeth made important connections in the legal community. She had a meeting with Kathleen Blatz, a longtime FoNR donor and the first female Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. She toured the Faegre Drinker headquarters in Minneapolis with Nate Brennaman and Julia Cross, who sponsor a student in our program. Lane Ayres, Director of the Law & Democracy Initiative at Books For Africa, engaged Elizabeth in the coordination of a donated Thomson Reuters law reference library at the International Federation of Women Lawyers. These lawyers who are also devoted to social justice have inspired Elizabeth’s career and personal philanthropy goals.

Elizabeth expressed deep gratitude for her trip, “I am immensely thankful to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and Friends of Ngong Road for this life-changing opportunity. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of everyone involved in these organizations, and I am inspired to give back and support others as they have supported me.”

December 2, 2024 By Bellinda Githu Leave a Comment

Paula’s Impactful Visit to NRCF

Recently I returned from another trip to visit the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation office in Nairobi with our board member, John Kundtz. Although I have visited the office, staff, and students many times before, this visit felt different. Overall impressions are that this place is well-run. The team is good at identifying and solving problems. I used to come here and leave them with a laundry list of items to fix, solve, and manage. Now, they handle that themselves.

I met with four alumni students and several other graduates from our program. It was so encouraging and uplifting. Some of those alumni gave an unsolicited, full-throated summary of the many ways their lives have been changed by involvement with the program. It was moving.

Many of our alumni can retain jobs to support themselves and their families. One student I met with did not complete his post-secondary education, and last year seemed angry and disaffected. This year he was well-dressed and seems much more satisfied with his life. He works 3 – 4 days per week for an event company, helping set up and take down tents, tables, chairs, flowers, etc. He has his own place and can take care of himself and as he said, “That is all I want”. Someday he may want more, but for now, he is as happy as I’ve seen him.

John and I had dinner with our tech staff members in Kenya – Washingtone, and Victor, as well as Fammy and SallyAnne, current TechMates freelancers, to get an update on the program. We asked lots of questions and left very impressed with the work they are doing. They are appropriately frustrated that TechMates freelancers are not all finding a way to support themselves with gig work, but are pursuing ideas to improve those results.

We spent a day in the office with the staff of both Karibu Loo and Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Judy, the new Chair of the Karibu Loo board, has helped move it to the next level – that was pretty energizing for me to see.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation staff meetings now include a projection of their various Salesforce dashboards so everyone can see who is up-to-date on home/school visits and report to everyone else and plans for the coming week. It is tight and professional.

We heard from a panel of seven alumni – again, such beautiful stories of lives transformed. Margaret was one of them – she wanted to be a lawyer but didn’t have the grades. She studied Community Development and did an internship in our office but then got a job at a law firm where she made herself indispensable. They supported her efforts to get a certificate in mediation. She was then recruited by a larger law firm in Nairobi and is now the Chief Administrator for that firm which has offices in Nairobi and Kisumu. Her testimony about her journey was so heartfelt and powerful.

Making me extremely happy, Stacy came to participate in this panel. She is (finally, after seven years) going to finish her diploma at her own expense. Meanwhile, she is very successful working for CIO Africa. She is responsible for selling tech firms on being sponsors of their annual conference and has visited seven African countries with them and earned enough to buy herself a little orange Peugeot. I asked her whether they recognized any NGOs and she said “No. NGOs are woefully behind in technology.” We then enlightened her on our Creating Techies path and she invited us to develop a 2-minute video that she will show at the November conference they are holding in Nairobi. Big opportunity!

I visited the U.S. Embassy, which Carole helped facilitate, and then met with Donatus, who will lead our tour in March. I also had dinner with two local board members – Rephah and Patrick.