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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Creating Elimu Hub – A Collaborative Experience

Students, alumni and staff are all very excited about the prospects of Elimu Hub becoming a reality. Part of what makes it so exciting is that it began as a small idea about how we could create more space for the Computer Lab at the new NRCF offices. As Friends of Ngong Road team shared thoughts, the idea grew. What about something that served more students, and perhaps alumni? What if we could dedicate space to an expanded library? Feedback and ideas were exchanged for creating a unique, special space for our students. And then, we started dreaming about how could we design the space in a way that was eco-conscious, inexpensive, and inclusive. Thus, the solar-powered shipping container Hub was born.

After we together arrived at an overall design, the U.S. team came back with the thought of naming the place. At first, we were simply thinking we’d call it the “Student Resource Center”. But when we started to consider how to relate the name with our mission, our eyes opened to some creative thinking. Many of our ideas came from asking our students. That got them very excited. 

In the end, we decided on “Elimu Hub”. ‘Elimu’ translates to ‘education’ and is aligned with our overall mission. ‘Hub’ helped express how our new place would become a center of activity, innovation, and creativity. The combined name is meaningful in the Kenyan context and it’s easily translatable to our English-speaking sponsors and supporters.

We followed up the new name with creating some wonderful graphics that brought together the physical design of the containers, bringing to life the idea of a central hub. The graphics expressed vitality and creativity and along with the building renderings, Elimu Hub is becoming more real every day. 

Each and every week, NRCF and FONR meet as an Operations Committee to share information, express ideas, and work together through issues that keep the organization running smoothly. Last year’s Food from Friends campaign is another example of successful collaboration. During the 2020 crisis, we identified critical needs for families and quickly found ways to source and distribute food support. Working together, we ensured families survived the pandemic and worked together to ensure their well-being.

Our collaborative working relationship is also an essential part of our annual planning process. From September through December each year, we work together to budget and plan activities, programs, and campaigns both in the US and in Kenya. Working together as a united team, with strong communications and appreciation for differing perspectives has made it possible for us to collaboratively manage for the long term and respond to short term issues. 

Establishing communication and collaboration style enabled quick creation and pursuit of Elimu Hub. We are thrilled to be able to bring this safe, reliable resource to our students in Nairobi. We look forward to bringing you along on this journey.

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Karibu Loo Corner

Business update 

Karibu Loo has been affected by the pandemic. With the emergence of COVID-19 vaccines and with much of the world gradually lifting lockdowns and restrictions, the Kenyan economy had started to gain traction. We were hopeful that 2021 business performance would improve, but in March 2021 a second COVID wave came and restrictions were re-imposed. As a result, business declined in April and May as many event planners and companies canceled events.

One major trend since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and leading into 2021 is an increase in long-term rentals.  These are mostly construction companies that have continued operating and renting loos throughout the downturn. This has enabled Karibu Loo to survive during the pandemic.    

Digital Marketing Campaign 

While business was challenging in 2020, it was critical to preparing for the future. To set ourselves up for success, we launched a digital marketing campaign to raise awareness and generate new sales. We believe once we have fully implemented this online marketing campaign, it will yield results in both the short term and the future, post-COVID-19.

The campaign is being managed in Kenya with help of U.S. digital marketing volunteers. With the easing of COVID restrictions and our digital marketing campaign starting, the business has begun to pick up in June. July looks promising. 

The campaign continues using humor. Our Chief Creative Volunteer, Steve Kotvis, has developed Google Search ads like: 

“Today’s my wedding day, when I say “I do”,  don’t forget Karibu Loo”

“Count on your crew, Gotta go #1, Gotta go #2. Remove the phew, call Karibu Loo”.

We monitor response rates and poor-performing ads are eliminated and replaced with new ones. 

The number of people calling and emailing to enquire about our services and pricing rates have been increasing, and sales are improving. 

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In Memory of Duane

Most of us want to know that our lives matter to other people, though the expression of that desire can take many forms. Duane Patterson, 1953 – 2021, made his contributions in quiet, steady ways. Duane first sponsored Derrick in 2017 when he traveled to Kenya. He enjoyed corresponding with Derrick and was hopeful Derrick’s future would be better due to the support he provided.

In May 2021, Derrick completed high school and we have admitted him to our post-secondary program. He is in the midst of computer training and exploring the best options for his continued education.  Duane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2021 and passed about 10 days after the diagnosis. He left a $100,000 bequest to Friends of Ngong Road which will be invested in our endowment fund. This means that each year Duane’s gift will generate $4,000+ to support operations, in perpetuity. Thank you, Duane, for leaving a legacy aimed at improving the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. Well done my friend. 

There are many ways you can support Friends of Ngong Road. In addition to sponsoring a student or giving an annual donation, you can also support FoNR through a gift from your retirement account, by designating FoNR as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or including  FoNR in your estate plan, like Duane did. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us at info@ngongroad.org or (612) 568-4211.

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Congrats, Graduates!

Shout out to our 2020 graduates. This year we had 17 students graduate from primary school to high school. We had 25 students graduate from secondary to post-secondary.

A ‘handover’ ceremony involving students, parents, and NRCF staff took place on May 28. This ceremony celebrates student achievement and orientates the students to the next level of education.

The primary school ceremony includes a highlight of expected changes in high school since primary life is usually different as primary school students are usually enrolled in day schools while high school students are in boarding schools. Students are also coached on handling negative peer influence which is common in high school. The students are required to sign the secondary commitment agreement which defines the expectations of both the parents and students to continue being supported in their education.

The secondary graduation ceremony included a highlight of the post-secondary education requirements and expectations. At this level students are required to take initiative for their education and career goals. Students are advised on the scholarship opportunities for various levels of education (Certificate, Diploma, and Degree options) based on their performance on their KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exam. The staff educates graduates on the importance of post-secondary education as it increases their chances of getting meaningful employment in Kenya. The students are required to sign a post-secondary contract and code of conduct if they wish to continue with their education.

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Over 20 students have lost their sponsors. Consider sponsoring an additional student. Meet Leon.

Over the past year, more than 20 students have lost their sponsors. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the economic impact of COVID 19. The students are continuing their education, but are in need of a new sponsor.

This is Leon’s story.

Leon is 16 years old and attending Karima High School, a boys-only boarding secondary school that is one of the best national schools. He has been in the program for eight years and his sponsor recently needed to discontinue support.  His sponsor’s support helped him get to this level of education and gain leadership skills through the Life Skills program, summer camp, and the Saturday program. He was a student leader in the primary department and also a squad leader during the 2019 summer camp. Leon has become assertive and gained self-confidence through these leadership roles.

Leon lives with his grandmother and two aunts. The grandmother makes beaded items, sews sweaters, crotchets tablecloths for an income. She also works as a Community Health Volunteer.

Leon’s family lives in a two-roomed house in Ngando slums. The house is made of old rusty iron sheets. Unlike most families in the slum, Leon’s home has electricity so he can study comfortably during school breaks. They buy water for domestic use from a nearby vendor. Leon sleeps on a bed. The family uses charcoal or kerosene stove to cook their meals as they are the most affordable. They share a bathroom and pit latrine with their neighbors.

Leon is an intelligent, focused, and hardworking student. He performs well academically and is usually among the top-performing students in his class. He would like to become a pilot in the future. He is outgoing, confident, and self-driven. 

Sponsors discontinue support for a variety of reasons. We have committed to supporting students who enter our program until they finish their education. So when they lose a sponsor it’s important for us to find a new sponsor. If you already sponsor a student, would you consider sponsoring another one whose sponsor left? We are fortunate that someone has stepped up to sponsor Leon. But there are many other waiting students like him who need your help to ensure they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams. Explore all the waiting students here.