Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Impact
    • Board of Directors
    • Kenya Staff
    • US Staff
    • Financials, Tax, and Policies
    • Careers
  • Program
    • Our Program
    • Education
    • Health and Well-Being
    • Supportive Community
    • Camp
    • Employment Programs
      • Techmates Program
    • Karibu Loo
  • Transform a Life
    • Get Involved
    • Becoming a Sponsor
    • Wepowerment Legacy Circle
  • News
    • Events
  • Donate
  • Sponsor
  • Sign In

July 4, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

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.

June 27, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno 1 Comment

Creating Techies

Kenya is a key player in Africa’s tech landscape and has experienced remarkable growth in technology adoption and innovation. The nation is known for its vibrant tech ecosystem, which has propelled it to the forefront of technological advancement in the region. Kenya boasts a thriving startup scene with numerous tech hubs and incubators, such as iHub and the Kenya Innovation Hub. These centers provide crucial support for entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding. Nairobi, the capital city, is a hotspot for tech startups, fostering innovation in various sectors including agriculture, health, education, and e-commerce.

Kenya is investing in education and skill development to nurture a tech-savvy workforce. Initiatives like the Presidential Digital Talent Program aim to develop ICT talent and bridge the skills gap. Universities and colleges are expanding their computer science and IT programs while coding bootcamps and online courses are becoming popular avenues for acquiring tech skills. Accordingly, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has been creating programs aimed at fostering technological advancements for our students. 

NRCF’s technology programs are structured as below:

PrimarySecondaryPost-secondaryAlumni
Basic computer trainingAdvanced computer trainingComputer packages certificationTechMates programming and digital marketing training internships
Computer applications trainingProgramming coursesCoding boot campsLido Nation relationship for developer internship
Scratch programmingLaptop lending programsSmall business training
Creative sessionsDirectEd partnership
Science mill camps
Elimu Hub (Computer Lab + Library)Blockchain Lab
Kenya tech education

Michael, one of our 2023 high school graduates, exemplifies the success of our technology-focused programs. Below, he shares his experiences and those of his peers in embracing technology. 

“At the beginning of the year, we underwent computer training, which provided us with essential skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email writing among others. This foundational knowledge prepared us for both academic and professional endeavors.

We then participated in a coding bootcamp offered by Directed Development Foundation. Throughout this program, we engaged in various technology-driven projects. For instance, we created a simple website using HTML, styled it with custom CSS, and made it functional with JavaScript. One of my projects was a website for a taco restaurant, where I structured, styled, and added interactive features.

Additionally, we developed a Chrome extension to save visited URLs and created personal professional portfolios to help us in our future careers. We also built a blog post platform using the MERN stack, enabling users to publish blog posts. Our training even extended to working with large language models, similar to ChatGPT.

Beyond the structured projects, I pursued personal endeavors during the bootcamp. I created a racing game, a PDF loader chatbot, and a political blog post. Currently, I am delving into machine learning, training generative pretrained transformers (GPT). My passion for technology has grown immensely, and I am thrilled to have a strong foundation in this field. In September, I will be joining the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to study mathematics and computer science, which aligns with my interests and offers more advanced learning opportunities than the data science course I was initially selected for.”

Michael’s journey is an example of the impact of our technological programs and how our students can be prepared to thrive in their future careers. As the country continues to invest in education and skill development, tech programs like these are crucial in fostering the next generation of tech-savvy professionals. By nurturing young talents and equipping them with essential skills, Kenya is set to remain at the forefront of technological advancement, driving innovation and growth across various sectors.

June 20, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Sheila’s story; Coding, football, and future aspirations

My name is Sheila, and I am 18 years old. Growing up, my life was very challenging. There were few opportunities available to me, and the future seemed unclear and scary. Everything changed when I got the chance to join the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. The foundation did more than just provide me with a safe place to go to school; it gave me hope and a real chance to succeed. They encouraged me to dream big and believe in a better future.

Ngong Road Children's Foundation success story

At the Elimu Hub, I discovered a love for coding—a new world of logic and creativity. I also love playing football with the other kids. Football isn’t just a game; it lets me forget my worries and teaches me about teamwork and perseverance. I never thought I would become a class monitor or a club representative. However, through the Life skills training by Ngong Road Children’s Foundation gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and believe in myself.

I’m currently making my way to university, facing the choice between pursuing a degree in Economics or Computer Science. Both paths seem to hold promising prospects. I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that have come my way. Looking ahead in ten years, I envision myself achieving financial stability, providing support for my family, and actively contributing to the betterment of the community.

Discover Sheila inspiring journey with Ngong Road Children's Foundation, from overcoming challenges to finding passion in coding and football

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has played a crucial role in shaping my life. It’s not just about the education they provide; it’s the strong foundation they’ve given me to pursue my dreams. When I struggled to believe in myself, they were there, unwavering in their support and belief in my potential. Now, equipped with their guidance and encouragement, I feel empowered to fearlessly tackle the challenges that come my way. This profound transformation in my life is all thanks to the unwavering support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation.

Transform a life.

May 17, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

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!

May 7, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Educational initiatives during the April school break at NRCF

During the school break at the end of the first term, we compiled a comprehensive list of educational programs to keep our students engaged and intellectually stimulated. These programs were designed to be both entertaining and informative, covering a wide range of topics and activities to appeal to children of different ages. Our goal was to help our students retain what they had learned in the previous term and nurture their curiosity and love of learning. We also introduced grade seven and eight students to sexual reproductive health lessons.

Grade seven and eight students received a comprehensive training program covering mental health, drug, and substance abuse, and sexual reproductive health. The program covered essential topics such as sexuality, adolescence, pregnancy, contraception, and safe sex practices. We aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Force, a grade seven student, said, “I learned about the male reproductive system and the dangers of drug and substance abuse. I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next phase of this training.”

Our high school curriculum consisted of academic and social education for our students. We taught computer skills, email writing, and life skills training for those in their first year in high school. For those in the second year, we continued with computer classes and email writing. For those in the third year, we taught computer classes and email writing again, while the form four students participated in mathematics discussion groups, computer classes, and email writing.

We are proud to say that our comprehensive educational programs have been a great success, and we are committed to developing and improving these programs to meet the evolving needs of our students and to ensure that they receive the best possible education. We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 31
  • Next Page »
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Site Search

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

EIN: 20-4690846

 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
MerclineAge 10 years
Learn More
  • Home
  • Contact US
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Kenya Homepage
© 2025 · Friends of Ngong Road, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit