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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Coding bootcamp created more “Techies”

This year we have had multiple coding bootcamps for our students, including the recent high school graduates bootcamp. We saw our high school graduates develop and become technology enthusiasts, with several of them enrolling in technology-related courses at various universities and colleges.

Coding bootcamp success

The students were first taken through an intensive three-month computer certification program to familiarize them with the ins and outs of computer hardware and software, such as Microsoft Office and the Internet. This certificate is usually key, as students with such knowledge possess the upper hand in college. The students were also introduced to programming, where they acquired the basics of coding and built various personal projects like portfolios. 

We  partnered with an organization called DiredEd which offers coding bootcamps to recent high school graduates. They seek paid internships for the students that complete the bootcamp successfully. Four of our students, Michael, Kevin, Sheila, and John, successfully completed the bootcamp focusing on building Artificial Intelligence models that address real-life problems. This is a growing skill as the world embraces AI in day-to-day work. 

Three of the four, Michael, Sheila, and Kevin joined the DirectEd Trainee Program, which offers mentorship from experienced professionals and networking opportunities. They will also get paid internships, and gain experience while in college.

Coding bootcamp success

Michael stood out during the entire bootcamp, consistently displaying exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. He took the lead in group projects and played a significant role in various bootcamp projects, showcasing technical skills and collaborative spirit, leading to his project being awarded the Best Project in Generative AI in the DirectEd bootcamp. A social media platform that enforces community guidelines through AI, earned him top honors.

All these would not have been possible without your generous donations. The funds raised from our Summer Appeal have been crucial in ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive in the tech world. Your contributions have helped us create the next generation of tech talent, empowering students like Michael to achieve their dreams. Thank you for helping “create techies.”

See some of Michael’s projects:

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Empowering Leaders Through Mentorship

At the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we understand the power of a helping hand. That’s why we recently organized a dynamic mentorship training program. This program brought together inspiring volunteers from Young Women Leaders Connect and our very own alumni.

But this wasn’t a typical workshop. We delved deep into the essentials of nurturing future leaders, providing participants with the knowledge to empower young minds. Just imagine – young people navigating college applications, mastering time management, and building strong relationships. Our training covered it all, from effective communication to healthy decision-making.

We didn’t stop there. We also addressed the realities of peer pressure, stress, and self-awareness, equipping mentors with the tools to guide young people through these challenges. Practical life skills such as budgeting, problem-solving, and even sex education were on the agenda, ensuring a well-rounded approach to youth development.

Youth Mentorship Program Kenya

True leadership thrives on a healthy foundation. Research shows that mentored youth are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and lead healthier lives. We emphasized physical activity, mental well-being, and responsible choices – the cornerstones of a successful life. By equipping mentors with this comprehensive toolkit, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is empowering the next generation to excel in every aspect of their lives. Investing in mentorship is investing in a brighter future for our community.

The need for impactful mentors is ever-growing. Consider volunteering your time and expertise! Whether you have a background in education, business, or simply a passion for helping young people reach their full potential, your guidance can make a world of difference.

Join us in shaping the future. Contact the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation today to learn more about mentorship opportunities!

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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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Facilitating students’ career exploration through the scholarship program

Navigating higher education can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing a field of study that aligns with your passions and future goals. On May 21st and 22nd, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation hosted a special scholarship committee program to provide important support and guidance to students as they began their careers after completing their high school education.

The program aimed to empower students to confidently explore potential fields of study, ensuring their chosen path resonated with their unique interests and aspirations. Participants were equipped with interactive workshops, personalized guidance sessions, and insightful career exploration resources

“Participating in this program was truly enlightening as it entailed thorough research and exploration of potential courses of study,” shared Anderson, one of the scholarship students. “The constructive feedback and valuable recommendations I received have been instrumental, and I am eager to seek further guidance as I continue to deliberate on my career choices.”

The program has seen many students successfully enter their chosen fields of study. The program’s success is evident through the high percentage of alumni who have been successful and have made significant strides in their respective fields.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation’s commitment to empowering students extends beyond financial assistance. By providing tailored support and mentorship, the program goes the extra mile to ensure each student is equipped with the necessary resources to succeed academically and professionally.

Support our programs.

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Coding Stars Shine at DirectEd Bootcamp

Following a successful introductory Python course in January, 14 students from Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) eagerly participated in the DirectEd Launch Day at Kenyatta University on April 13th. This event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for them as they embarked on the main DirectEd Bootcamp, a challenging but rewarding program designed to equip them with valuable programming skills.

Although the students missed out on access scholarships for additional support such as laptops and Wi-Fi, they remained enthusiastic and used the Elimu hub facility’s desktop computers to pursue their learning. Six students boldly enrolled in the main DirectEd Bootcamp, demonstrating dedication and enthusiasm.

These six students have completed the first module of the Bootcamp, delving into web design with languages like HTML, CSS, and Tailwind CSS. Interactive learning through Kahoot quizzes on Zoom calls added a fun and engaging element to their studies.

Reflecting on his first two weeks in the program, Michael said, “We’ve been studying various coding languages like HTML for structuring webpages, CSS for styling, and Tailwind CSS for applying styling within HTML. We’ve already completed four projects and are looking forward to learning JavaScript.”

We’re incredibly proud of our NRCF students and their commitment to learning and growth. We will continue to share their progress and achievements throughout the DirectEd Bootcamp. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey into the world of programming!