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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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.

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Waiting students

Victor

Victor is a 9-year-old boy on the waiting list for a sponsor for almost a year. His dreams clash with the harsh realities of life in the slums. He shares a humble home with his parents and five older siblings. A home filled with love, but often strained by the weight of limited resources. His mother, a tireless casual laborer, and his father, navigating through “Juakali” jobs, try their best to provide for the family. But their efforts still bring uncertainty, as these jobs offer no promises for daily or long-term work.

One thing stands as a beacon of hope for Victor: education. He is full of potential, but limited financial resources make it hard for him to consistently be in school. His mother’s voice carries pride and concern as she speaks of her son’s yearning for education. She knows that with a sponsorship, Victor will perform exceptionally well. A consistent education would be the key to unlocking his future. Victor’s favorite subject is English, and he would like to become a dentist in the future.

Victor’s story is a plea for a worthy chance. A chance to nurture potential, to empower dreams, and to transform a life. Every coin invested in Victor’s education is a brick laid in the foundation of a future that holds promise not only for him but for the community that he will serve.  Consider sponsoring Victor.

Angel

Meet Angel, a 10-year-old young girl ready to embark on a journey to transformation through education, but this has proven hard for her over the years. Every morning, she has to board a matatu (public bus) to school because of how far the school is, and there are times when her parents, burdened by life’s challenges, struggle to afford her transportation. On the days her parents can’t afford her bus fare, she has to wake up earlier and walk to school. However, transportation is just one of the many hurdles she faces. Angel’s father, once the provider of the family, now battles elephantiasis, leaving him confined to his bed. Her mother, now the sole provider, works as a casual laborer while still taking care of their infant, other children, and their home.  The ability to keep Angel in school is becoming increasingly difficult.

Amidst all these challenges, Angel remains a hardworking student. Math and English are her favorite subjects, and she aspires to become a medical doctor. Her aspiration to become a doctor is not just a vision but a testament to her boundless potential. She is also a gifted artist who loves to sketch creative drawings. 

A sponsorship for Angel would be an investment in her potential, a commitment to nurturing the bright future that she represents. With your generosity, you can encourage her artistic talent, fuel her love for learning, and ultimately shape her into the medical doctor she aspires to be. Your compassion will be the cornerstone upon which Angel’s success story is built. Consider sponsoring Angel.

Join us in this journey, where every sponsorship is a step towards a rewarding future for a student in need.

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Moving Forward From High School

The journey from high school to higher education is an exciting and transformative one. Our 2022 high school graduates were provided with impactful experiences and training programs before embarking on their post-secondary journey. From life skills to career guidance, sexual health education to computer literacy, and more, the graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Life Skills and Sexual Reproductive Health Training

High school graduates began with crucial training in Life Skills. We designed this training to provide them with skills that will establish a solid foundation as they transition into a more socially oriented learning environment.

These skills, ranging from effective communication and time management to problem-solving and decision-making, are not only vital for academic success but also for personal growth and development. 

Our older students, trained as Youth Peer Providers, conducted a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health session for them. In a world where informed decisions are crucial, this training empowered the graduates to make responsible choices about their sexual health.

Computer Packages   

In today’s technologically driven world, proficiency in basic computer skills is important for success in any field. This training, offered by Belmont College, introduced them to the world of technology and started their interaction with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, email, and the Internet. They also received certificates at the end of their learning.

Post-Secondary Career Camp

This camp, designed to prepare them for their academic journey, included career training sessions and insights into the college and university placement process. Engaging discussions with buddies,” who are post-secondary students pursuing various careers, provided the graduates with valuable insights into different courses of study and helped them better understand life as a post-secondary student.

Volunteering Program

Recognizing the importance of gaining real-world experience, the graduates attended a 1-week volunteer program. This exposed them to the inner workings of various firms, schools, and organizations, providing them with a glimpse of how the professional world functions. This firsthand experience not only gave them insights into the different industries but also helped them understand the dynamics of a work environment.

Coding Bootcamp and Scholarship Committee Interviews

Through our partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation, the graduates embarked on a coding boot camp. This intensive 3-part program offered by tutors from DirectEd allowed them to develop coding skills, with students achieving varying levels of expertise, such as becoming full-stack developers or front-end developers.

The graduates also presented their chosen courses to the scholarship committee. This stage is crucial before they join the different higher learning institutions, as their courses are either approved or rejected. 

With these skills in hand, our 2022 graduates are about to join their new learning institutions to pursue their post-secondary courses. We have 7 students going to take degree courses, 12 going to take diploma courses, and 9 going to take certification courses. After completing various training sessions and learning, we believe they are well-prepared to begin their new learning journey. We wish them all the best, and we hope to see them transform their lives through education.