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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Hitting the road

Looking forward to my first trip to Kenya

When I first joined the board of Friends of Ngong Road nearly two years ago, traveling to Nairobi was something our Founder, Paula Meyer, insisted was something I “needed to do ASAP.” For many of us who’ve heard the same thing from Paula over the years, you may have reacted like I did: “That sounds like quite the undertaking!” Crossing an ocean, a hemisphere, and eight time zones across ~20 hours of travel is no small feat.

But my second reaction was: it really is a small feat compared to our mission—we’re committing to transforming lives one day at a time over the course of a decade (or more!), being there for children as they grow and develop, supporting them on the path towards completing their education leading to employment. Heading to Kenya is an easy road to take.

Which is why I’m so excited to share that I’m hitting the road to Kenya next week, August 21, along with Friends of Ngong Road’s COO, Amy Johnson. I can’t wait to hear from students, families, our staff, and supporters directly about their experience, and what our work means to them.

I want to hear from you, too. I’m holding a virtual Townhall on Monday, August 25 at 8:00 a.m. (US Central Time) where you can hear from me and Kelvin Thuku, Programmes Manager, as well as Friends of Ngong Road Board Chair, Kris Petersen. Bring your thoughts, well wishes, or questions—there’ll be ample time to hear from many of you during the Townhall. You can RSVP to join us here.

I’m excited to share more about my time in Kenya. If you have any recommendations, tips, or heads up about my travels, don’t hesitate to drop me a note at dan@ngongroad.org.

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A partnership with NGAO Foundation

Partnership for Children in Need

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and the NGAO Foundation have partnered to enhance their impact on the lives of children and people living in challenging circumstances. Our joint efforts aim to bring together young adults who are on holiday breaks through educational and mentorship programs. These programs are designed to reduce the likelihood of drug abuse, early pregnancy, and immoral behavior.

The NGAO Foundation recently visited our office, and we had an engaging session where we introduced them to the various areas in which we implement positive change. This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a promise to our community. We are dedicated to providing essential services, support, and opportunities. From education to healthcare, our efforts are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Ngong Road and Ngao Foundation are joining forces to improve our community. We need your support to make this happen. Together, we can create a better place for everyone.

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Empowering Post-Secondary Graduates for Success in their Careers

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation recently hosted a heartwarming graduation ceremony to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our post-secondary students who completed their higher education at various colleges and universities. It was a memorable occasion as these young individuals prepared to take their first steps into their chosen professional paths.

At the employability skills session, Mr. Calvin expertly covered a wide range of crucial topics to equip our new alumni with the necessary skills for the workplace. The session delved into effective communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of both verbal and written communication in the professional world.

Employability Skills

Mr. Calvin also provided valuable insights on time management, stressing the significance of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. In addition, the session featured in-depth discussions on teamwork and collaboration, shedding light on the benefits of working efficiently in a team environment. Furthermore, adaptability and problem-solving skills were explored, highlighting the significance of adaptability in dynamic work settings and the ability to think critically to solve complex challenges. Overall, the employability skills session was comprehensive and insightful, ensuring that our new alumni are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.

The event ended on a high note with a delightful cake-cutting ceremony, lively music, and refreshing soft drinks to celebrate and uplift our new alumni. Let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of students. Your support can help provide education to more students. Join us in our mission to create brighter futures.

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Educational initiatives during the April school break at NRCF

During the school break at the end of the first term, we compiled a comprehensive list of educational programs to keep our students engaged and intellectually stimulated. These programs were designed to be both entertaining and informative, covering a wide range of topics and activities to appeal to children of different ages. Our goal was to help our students retain what they had learned in the previous term and nurture their curiosity and love of learning. We also introduced grade seven and eight students to sexual reproductive health lessons.

Grade seven and eight students received a comprehensive training program covering mental health, drug, and substance abuse, and sexual reproductive health. The program covered essential topics such as sexuality, adolescence, pregnancy, contraception, and safe sex practices. We aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Force, a grade seven student, said, “I learned about the male reproductive system and the dangers of drug and substance abuse. I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next phase of this training.”

Our high school curriculum consisted of academic and social education for our students. We taught computer skills, email writing, and life skills training for those in their first year in high school. For those in the second year, we continued with computer classes and email writing. For those in the third year, we taught computer classes and email writing again, while the form four students participated in mathematics discussion groups, computer classes, and email writing.

We are proud to say that our comprehensive educational programs have been a great success, and we are committed to developing and improving these programs to meet the evolving needs of our students and to ensure that they receive the best possible education. We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

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Sales Mastery with Miss Amran Abdi

On January 12th, a sales guide and training session was conducted by Miss Amran Abdi, an expert in school consultation and an entrepreneur. The training started with an introduction from the alumni team present and kicked off with a powerful quote: “Everything is Everything”, a business concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of a company. It’s like a harmonious orchestration where each department, decision, and action functions like musical notes contributing to the success and flow of the business.

Sales Mastery Training

The main aim of this training session was to teach attendees how to sell anything to anyone. The training covered various aspects of business, including knowledge of the product, evaluation, the importance of a call to action, effective communication techniques, the power of listening, the impacts of telling a selling story, understanding client needs, aligning with the client’s objectives, and building trust and rapport. 

The attendees also learned the benefits of seeking feedback and the power of testimonials. Miss Amran offered our alumni an opportunity to work as sales agents for her new school consultation firm. She promised to continue educating them on business innovation and how to go about it. 

The session ended with two powerful quotes: “Innovate or die” – by constantly exploring new ideas, technologies, and processes, businesses can remain competitive, attract new customers, and retain existing ones. And “Some will, some won’t, so what next?” – the key is to focus on interested people and find ways to connect with them. It is important to understand that not everyone will be your target audience, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Instead, you should keep looking for ways to reach those interested and find creative ways to engage with them.

The sales mastery was not just a training session but a transformative experience that left our alumni with a new perspective on the art of selling a business. We are continually ensuring that we equip our alumni with skills that will help them in their personal and professional journeys of transformation.