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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Faith, our top KCSE 2024 Performer

Meet Faith, the top KCSE 2024 performer at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation.  From humble beginnings, she has defied the odds to achieve academic excellence, scoring an A- in her KCSE examinations. Growing up with her two parents and three sisters, Faith’s family faced financial struggles, particularly in paying school fees. “Many are the times I was sent home due to unpaid fees,” she recalls. Despite these challenges, she was always determined to succeed. 

Faith joined the NRCF program in 2016 and joined Nelson Mandela Primary School, where she studied until 2020. In 2021, she secured a place at Precious Blood Riruta Secondary School, a prestigious institution known for academic excellence. At Precious Blood, Faith not only excelled in her studies but also took on leadership roles—serving as the Assistant Head of Kiswahili in her class and actively participating in hockey.

With her outstanding performance in KCSE 2024, Faith aspires to pursue a career in the medical field at Kenyatta University. Her dream is to become a medical doctor, a career driven by her passion for helping others and making a difference in the healthcare sector. 

Faith attributes much of her success to the immense support she received along the way. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Mary, her sponsor, saying, “I would really like to thank her for her continuous support in my studies.” She also acknowledges the NRCF Foundation for its unwavering support in her education and family life, providing food aid and ensuring she and her sisters had the opportunity to study.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her academic journey, we celebrate Faith’s achievements and wish her all the best. The future is bright for Faith, and we can’t wait to see the impact she will make in the world.

Join us in transforming lives.

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A Joyful Saturday at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation

Last Saturday was a day filled with joy, laughter, and fun at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, where our children gathered for an exciting Saturday program. The day kicked off with an engaging icebreaker session led by our facilitator, setting the tone for an energetic and vibrant atmosphere.

After a delightful lunch break, the children immersed themselves in various club activities tailored to their passions. From artistic expressions in the art club to dynamic performances in the dance team and skillful moves in Taekwondo, every child had the opportunity to participate in something they love.

The highlight of the day was a special birthday celebration for one of our esteemed alumni, Fammy. She chose to mark her special day with our students, bringing cakes and snacks to share with everyone. Adding to the joy, Fammy was accompanied by her friends, who made generous donations that will go a long way in supporting our students.

To express gratitude, our students showcased heartfelt presentations featuring performances from the dancing team, Taekwondo demonstrations, and stunning artwork from the art club. The day concluded with sweet treats and snacks, fostering a deep sense of community and appreciation among all participants.

You too can make a difference in the lives of these children by supporting the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Your donations and sponsorships enable us to provide essential resources and opportunities for these children to thrive. Together, we can empower them to reach their full potential and build a brighter future.

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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.

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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!

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John’s Memorable Visit to Kenya

Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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.

Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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.