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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September 25, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Zen Garden Charity Padel Tournament that Transformed Lives at NRCF

In a vibrant display of community spirit and philanthropy, Zen Garden recently hosted a charity padel tournament that not only showcased competitive spirit but also aimed to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The event, held on 7th September, brought together avid padel enthusiasts, sponsors, and supporters, all rallying behind a common cause: supporting Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. The atmosphere at Zen Garden was electric as participants gathered for a day of intense competition and camaraderie. Padel enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned players to newcomers eager to contribute, took to the courts with passion and determination. Each swing of the racket echoed a commitment to making a positive impact, beyond the confines of the game itself. Behind the tournament’s exhilarating matches lay a deeper purpose: to raise funds in support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. This foundation, renowned for its dedication to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education and holistic support programs, became the focal point of the event’s charitable efforts.

Impactful Contributions and Generosity

Participants and sponsors alike demonstrated extraordinary generosity. Their contributions, whether through registration fees, sponsorships, or donations, formed the financial backbone of the event. The event raised over 300K and every penny raised went directly towards empowering children with educational opportunities, healthcare support, and mentorship, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

As the echoes of the tournament fade, its impact continues to resonate. The funds raised will enable the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation to expand its reach, touching the lives of more children in need. The event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and when a community comes together for a noble cause.

Join us in our next fundraising event on 25th October at Zen Garden from 6 pm. 

September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Learn about Kenyan Subgroups

Kenya is home to many cultures, languages, and traditions. This is attributed to the three major sub-groups of people: the Bantus, Cushites, and Nilotes. Each sub-group has its own unique origin, settlement patterns, dialects, and cultural practices, contributing to the vibrant design of Kenyan society.

The Bantu People

  • Where did they come from?
The Kenya Sub-groups Map

The Bantus are the largest sub-group in Kenya. They originated in West Africa around 4,000 years ago. They migrated southward and eastward, spreading their languages and cultures across sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Bantu sub-group settled in the central, western, and coastal regions of Kenya where the land is good for farming. They are great farmers, growing crops like maize and beans.

  • Tribes and Culture

There are approximately 20 to 22 Bantu tribes in Kenya. The main tribes are Kikuyu, Luyha, Kamba and Mijikenda. The Mijikenda tribe itself consists of nine sub-tribes. Bantu culture is all about close families, farming, and celebrating through music and dance. They speak different languages, and have special ceremonies for important events like growing up and getting married. Their stories, songs, and dances are passed down from parents to kids, keeping their traditions alive.


The Cushitic People

  • Where did they come from?

  Cushites originated in northeastern Africa, in the Horn of Africa.

  • Where did they settle in Kenya?

The Cushitic sub-group inhabited Kenya’s northern and eastern parts. These regions are dry and the Cushites are known for their skills at raising animals like goats and camels in those dry areas.

  • Tribes and Culture

This subgroup has approximately five tribes, with the main ones being the Somali, Borana, Rendille, and Gabra. Their cultures are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, strong sense of community, and beadwork. Their traditions include special ceremonies for things like coming of age, and they pass down stories, songs, and dances through generations.


The Nilotic People

Kenyan subgroups
  • Where did they come from?

Nilotes originated in South Sudan and Ethiopia and spread southward and westward, reaching Kenya and other parts of East Africa.

  • Where did they settle in Kenya?

They settled in the Rift Valley, areas around Lake Victoria, and western Kenya, and are known for their pastoralism and fishing practices.

  • Tribes and Culture

The Nilotes subgroup has around 11 tribes with the main ones being the Maasai, Turkana, Luo, and Kelenjins. They are often associated with warrior traditions, beadwork, and lively ceremonies, with a big connection to their land and livestock. 

These three sub-groups have lived together for thousands of years, sharing their different cultures and traditions. Even though they have different languages and customs, they are all part of the same family and love their country. 

All our students belong to one of these subgroups and speak a certain mother tongue from their tribe. By the time they are adults, they are able to speak at least three languages: their tribal language, Swahili (one of Kenya’s national languages) and English.

To learn more about the Sub-groups visit the links below;

  • Language groups in Kenya
  • Bantu People Of Kenya
  • Nilotes people Kenya | History Shortened |Nilotes
  • Luo – Nilotic ethnic group: Their origin and culture
  • Who are the Cushitic people, history of the Cushitic people
  • September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo 1 Comment

    Join Us For Our 2024 Community Gathering

    We hope you can join us on October 2nd as we bring together sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate the progress and impact Friends of Ngong Road has had on many children in Nairobi.

    We are especially excited about our special guest, Elizabeth Nyanchera. She is the first graduate of our program to become a lawyer. This is her first trip to the United States and she is looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing her story.

    We will also hear from Paula Meyer, the Founder of Friends of Ngong Road, Carol Patrikakos, our Executive Director, and more, giving us program updates.  

    Wednesday, October 2nd, 5-7pm 
    Pryes Brewery
    1401 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
    Remarks at 5:45 pm  
    Food and beverages provided
    Free parking surrounds the building

    The meeting room only has stair access, regretfully, no elevator. If that prevents you from attending, please respond and we will be happy to schedule another time to meet Elizabeth.

    Please RSVP…..  Bring a friend, or two!

    Elizabeth has overcome significant challenges to build a promising future for herself. Orphaned at the age of four, her life took a transformative turn in fourth grade when she joined the Friends of Ngong Road program and was matched with a sponsor. She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with commitment and determination, achieving success through excellent academic performance. 

    After studying at the University of Nairobi, Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Law. She then secured an internship at R.W Mbanya and Company Advocates, gaining practical experience in the legal field. Motivated to further her legal knowledge, she pursued a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law. Elizabeth is currently employed full-time at a law firm, where she drafts legal documents and attends court hearings. Elizabeth officially joined the Kenya Bar in June 2023

    Elizabeth says that the Friends of Ngong Road program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Elizabeth’s success shows that with the right support, and personal determination, a child is capable of transforming their life.

September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Grant sponsored students

At times we have students who were fortunate to have sponsors who provided for their education, but their sponsors are no longer able to continue their support. These students now need new sponsors to complete their education.   We hope you will consider supporting one of these students and provide the opportunity for them to transform their life.

Grant sponsored students in need of support

Eliakim

Age: 13

School level: 7th grade

Favorite hobby: reading, playing soccer

Aspiration:  pilot

Eliakim, a promising young student lives with his mother and five siblings in a modest single-room house, and despite facing challenges, his passion for learning remains unwavering. His favorite subjects are math and English, and he enjoys reading in his free time. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” is one of his favorite books. With your support, Eliakim can access quality education, healthcare, food, and essential programs, which will help him build a brighter future.

Sponsor me


Grant sponsored students in need of support

Mathew

Age: 16

School level:  10th grade

Favorite hobby: playing chess

Aspiration:  accountant

Matthew is passionate about learning and dreams of becoming an accountant. He lives in a modest one-room brick house with his uncle and aunt in Nairobi. Matthew excels in both English and math, which will serve him well in a future as an accountant. With the support of a sponsor, he hopes to access the resources and opportunities he needs to improve his life and that of his family.

Sponsor me


Ruffina

Grant sponsored students in need of support

Age : 19

School level: college

Aspiration: tour guide

Ruffina is a bright and determined young woman with a passion for travel and storytelling. Her dedication to education is unwavering. Ruffina is currently pursuing a certificate in tour guiding,  driven by a desire to share her love for her city and provide unforgettable experiences for visitors.  Ruffina only needs two more years of support to complete her studies and pursue her dream career, breaking free from the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for herself.

Sponsor me

By sponsoring Eliakim, Mathew, or Ruffina, you’re empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Your support will help them complete their education, gain essential life skills, and pursue their dreams.

To see additional students waiting for sponsors click here.

September 12, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

A sponsor’s recent trip to Nairobi

A unique element of our program is that it allows for sponsors to have a one on one relationship with their student, often sparking a special bond between them. This bond grows even stronger when sponsors have the opportunity to meet their students. We always encourage sponsors to take this life changing trip to meet their sponsored student and get a glimpse of how they are helping their student transform their life. One sponsor, Brittany, and her daughter Amina took a trip to meet their sponsored student Crystal.  

Their experience:

sponsor a student in Kenya

Our recent trip to Kenya was a truly unforgettable experience, thanks in large part to our visit with Crystal. Meeting her and her family was heartwarming; they welcomed us with such kindness and generosity. We had the pleasure of visiting Crystal at St. George’s Primary School, where she excels in her studies. Seeing her enthusiasm and dedication firsthand was incredibly rewarding.

Our time in Kenya was filled with memorable moments. We enjoyed feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, an experience both fun and educational. At Stedmark Garden, we explored a variety of animals from Kenya and beyond, which was both fascinating and enlightening. 

One of the highlights was attending the Saturday program with Ngong Road students, where we shared a meal and participated in activities together. This trip not only deepened our appreciation for the impact of sponsorship but also enriched our lives with the warmth and spirit of Kenya. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Crystal and look forward to more experiences like this in the future.

Brittany and Amina

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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

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