My name is Sally and I joined the program when I was in grade 1. Joining Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) meant transferring to a better place. The thought of going to a better school and having my school fees and other school needs fully catered for was so exciting. Once I joined the program, I was admitted to one of their focus schools, and my transformational journey began.

After completing my primary education, I was enrolled at girls secondary school in Limuru. I loved that because I had never schooled outside of Nairobi County. I immediately joined the Music Festival group which involved music and drama performances from different schools and colleges. I was able to become the chairperson of the group when I was in form three. One of my favorite subjects was computer studies and I naturally developed an interest in pursuing a course related to computer science.

After seating for my KCSE I joined Kabete National Polytechnic to pursue a course in Information Communication Technology (ICT). I knew that after 3 years of study, I wanted to be a computer programmer. I came to know of the TechMates program offered by NRCF while I was home for my school holiday and I knew that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn new skills while also implementing them. I then decided to join the program as a developer intern. I interned for 2 months after which, I had to go back to school.

I was due to go for attachment in January this year and I chose to be attached under the TechMates program. For 3 months now, I have been working on the optimization of the NRCF website as well as updating the website’s media. I have also been taking courses offered under the program and I have gained skills in coding. As part of my work, I also assist the computer lab teacher at NRCF to facilitate computer classes for the primary students. My attachment is coming to an end this month, and I am really excited to go back to school having gained new skills and working in a professional environment.

After my attachment ends this month, I will be interning as a developer for 2 months before I go back to school in June. Once I complete my studies next year, I hope to get an opportunity to work for NRCF and also acquire new clients as a freelancer. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my educational dreams and I hope to graduate and inspire more girls to take on technical courses like I did.

Transform a life today.

Antony comes from a humble background, but this has not deterred him from succeeding academically. He joined the program and was immediately enrolled at one of our focus primary schools where he did his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCPE) examination, and later, he joined a boys high school in Nairobi. Antony then pursued a course in Social Work and Community Development at East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (ICS). Since day one, Antony has always been determined with his studies and has always worked so hard. All through, he was performing very well. He believes success in life comes from education, supported by the program, which is his perfect weapon.  He is currently working towards that because he is yet to secure a job. 

He is determined to make a life of his own and possibly be able to transform that of his family too.  Antony says that the home situation is not good, but he wouldn’t want to live such a life.

He acknowledges the saying, “You can’t change your past, but you can work on your future.” This has been his driving force in working to make things better. Antony expresses gratitude for the program’s support and acknowledges the sponsor’s efforts.

Maisy joined the NRCF program when she was in Grade 5. She was raised by her mother and her grandmother in Nairobi.

Maisy worked hard in school through the support accorded to her by NRCF and finished her primary and secondary education. She later pursued a course in beauty therapy which has been her passion since her childhood.  

Maisy currently works in one of the best spas in Nairobi as a consultant beautician. She is able to comfortably support her mother and siblings. Her life and that of her family have been transformed through the support from her sponsor and the friends of Ngong Road in general. 

She is grateful to NRCF and more so her sponsor in the USA for believing in her and giving her the gift of education enabling her to better her life and that of her family. 

Transform a life today.

Esher joined NRCF in 2008. She lived with her mum who worked several jobs to earn a living. Life was difficult as her mother could barely afford three meals a day and paying bills became more challenging each month. Luckily, her mum heard of NRFC from their village friends and quickly grabbed the opportunity to have Esther join the program. 

She was able to get a sponsor, Meg Tyler and  was transferred to City Prime Academy and joined class 5, then Jagiet Academy and finally GSU Primary School boarding where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. 

She then joined St. Mary’s Girl High School where she did her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education before joining University of Nairobi to pursue a Diploma in Human Resource Management. Esther graduated in 2018 attaining an average score.

Esther took initiative and began grabbing employment opportunities presented by the newly established Alumni department, employment division which included training for job preparedness and joining the employability mentorship program. This changed her way of thinking  and she began looking at situations from different perspectives, this encouraged her to become more positive minded, goal oriented and most importantly  realistic with who she was and what she wanted to accomplish in her life. 

After going through the mentorship for two months she was able to get an invitation for a HR Assistant job interview and passed with flying colors. She will now be able to improve hers and her dependants living standards. 

She is truly grateful for NRCF and Meg Tyler, her sponsor. As NRCF we wish her all the best as she moves forward in her career as a HR professional.