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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March 26, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Kenya’s Diversity

Kenya’s tribal landscape can be traced back centuries and includes migration, intermarriage, and cultural exchange. With over 40 recognized tribes, each with its own language, customs, and traditions, Kenya has a rich history. Kenyan society is primarily segmented into three linguistic communities – the Bantus (67%), Nilotic (30%), and Cushitic speakers (3%). 

The Bantu group is the largest ethnic community in Kenya, encompassing the Kikuyu, Akamba, Luhya, Kisii, Meru, and Mijikenda tribes. Primarily reliant on agriculture, by cultivating cash crops like coffee and tea, the Bantu people are able to sustain themselves.  The Mijikenda tribe, through historical interactions with Arab and Persian traders, contributed much to the development of Swahili culture. Swahili, alongside English, holds the status of an official language in Kenya, with wide adoption across the nation.

Comprising tribes such as the Maasai, Luo, Turkana, Samburu, and Kalenjin, the Nilotes constitute a significant community in Kenya. Known for their prowess in warfare and hunting, the Nilotic people predominantly lead nomadic lifestyles. The Maasai, in particular, enjoy recognition for their rich cultural heritage. Many of the famous Kenyan long-distance runners come from the Kalenjin tribe.

The Cushites in Kenya are a diverse group of people who belong to the larger Cushitic ethnic group found across East Africa. They are primarily concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of Kenya, such as Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties. Cushitic people in Kenya include the Borana, Rendille, Gabbra, Somali, and Oromo among others. They have their own distinct languages, cultures, and traditions, and historically have been pastoralists, although many have also engaged in trade and agriculture.

Traditions and Cultural Heritage

Each tribe boasts traditions that have been passed down through generations. For example:

The Maasai are one of the most well-known tribes in Kenya, famous for their distinctive attire, beadwork, and traditional dances. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists, known for their cattle herding. They also have unique rites of passage, such as the elaborate ceremonies for boys and the “eunoto” ceremony for warriors becoming elders. 

The Kikuyu people, who are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, have a rich agricultural heritage. They are known for their traditional homesteads, consisting of several houses arranged circularly around a central area. 

The Luo people inhabit the western region of Kenya, near Lake Victoria. They have a vibrant music and dance culture, with the “Benga” music genre being particularly popular among them. Fishing is a significant part of their traditional way of life, and they have intricate fishing techniques passed down through generations. The Luo also have unique burial customs, including elaborate funeral ceremonies that can last several days. 

Social Cohesion

Kenyan tribes play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion within communities. Extended families, communal support structures, and shared responsibilities are pillars that uphold the social fabric. Within each tribe, there are often hierarchies based on age, gender, and lineage. Elders hold positions of respect and authority, with their wisdom and experience guiding community decisions. Men and women may have different roles and responsibilities within the tribe, with men often engaging in activities such as farming, herding, or hunting, while women are responsible for tasks like cooking, childcare, and household chores. Like many traditional societies, Kenyan tribes are adapting to modernity and globalization. Urbanization, education, and exposure to new ideas are influencing social norms and traditions within tribal communities. However, many tribes strive to maintain a balance between preserving their cultural heritage and embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.

Political Landscape

Tribal affiliations often play a significant role in Kenyan politics, influencing voting patterns, political alliances, and even the distribution of resources. Historically, political power has often been concentrated within a few dominant tribes, leading to perceptions of marginalization and exclusion among smaller ethnic communities.

In the post-independence era, Kenya has seen a pattern of tribal-based political parties and alliances. Leaders often rally support along tribal lines, leveraging ethnic identities to gain political advantage. This has sometimes resulted in ethnic tensions, especially during election periods.

Efforts have been made to address tribalism in Kenyan politics, including the promotion of inclusivity, devolution of power, and the establishment of mechanisms for ethnic reconciliation. However, tribal politics continues to be a prominent feature of the Kenyan political landscape, shaping governance, policy-making, and inter-community relations.

Conclusion

Kenyan tribes each have a unique way of life that collectively makes this great nation full of rich ethnic diversity and we hope that you get the chance to experience this first-hand!

March 26, 2024 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Friends Make It Happen!

Friends of Ngong Road has grown via a network of friends and colleagues who are committed to our mission of supporting life transformation via education and support, leading to employment.

We have a new fundraising method that will enable our supporters to reach their friends and families to ask for their support of our programs and student sponsorship goals. 

With this tool, you can have your own profile on our website that  describes why you are committed to our mission and the students in our program. You can set a goal to recruit  sponsors for new students or funds for a specific initiative.

We invite you to check out the profiles and consider participating. This personal approach gives your friends and contacts a direct way to engage with Friends of Ngong Road. With your help, we can reach our student sponsorship goals and grow our network of supporters.

Be our Friend:

Being a Friend is easy to do! Click here to get started or email naomi@ngongroad.org for more information.

March 26, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Another Successful Round of Coding Classes

Last year we partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation to introduce an intensive coding boot camp aimed at recent high school graduates. This three-part program provides a pathway for students to learn the basics of coding and programming. From last year’s cohort of 14, two students successfully advanced to sit for the main DirectEd exam, subsequently securing internships.

One such success story is that of a junior developer, James, who is actively using his learned skills. James was one of the two students who sat for the main DirectEd exam, where he did well. In September 2023, he joined Lido Nation as a Software Developer Intern, where he worked on coding until February 2024 while also freelancing at Hostraha, a web-hosting company in Nairobi. He is currently a student at Egerton University, where he is working on something really interesting. Together with his friend, they are working on a startup company! The company will offer a cooperative approach where individuals and groups can own properties seamlessly. They started the coding work almost a month ago and they hope to successfully pull off this entrepreneurial venture.  

DirectEd Coding Boot Camp Success Stories

Recently, a new crop of our high school graduates took the same coding course. DirectEd conducted the Introductory Course, a week-long coding training program. Introducing participants to the fundamentals of programming using Python, this course attracted 18 students eager to embark on their coding journey. Using digital platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Piazza, and Notion, students engaged in immersive learning experiences, accessing a diverse range of resources including PDF modules, instructional videos, and feedback forms. Daily check-ins and workshops facilitated active participation and knowledge retention, ensuring a dynamic learning environment.

The end of the Introductory Course was marked by a rigorous examination taken by 14 dedicated students on January 13th, 2024. All 14 students successfully transitioned to the next phase of the DirectEd boot camp. DirectEd held a virtual closing ceremony that served as a testament to their dedication and achievements. 

By creating relationships with outside institutions to provide quality training programs, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students. 

March 26, 2024 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Our students need school supplies!

Please donate today. We have raised $11,000, and have a long way to go to reach our $50,000 goal. Our students started a new school year, and need school supplies. 

Boarding school is the norm for secondary students and some primary students in Kenya. We have over 100 students in our program who attend boarding school. 

These students are allowed a trunk with all of their personal belongings and school supplies. They need their trunks filled three times a year with basic items not covered through sponsorships such as:

  • Towels and bedding
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Washtub and laundry soap
  • Complete toiletries, including shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Toilet paper
  • Pencils, pens, etc.

Helping our students fill their trunks is a tangible way to show support. Your donation helps our students have the tools they need to succeed and the confidence that comes from having the same supplies as their peers.

DONATE

March 26, 2024 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

Waiting for a sponsor for a year and a half

For the first time, we have students who have been waiting on the website for a sponsor for over a year and a half. These students’ education has been derailed, and their hope of transforming their lives is dimming. Our goal is to find each of these students a sponsor before the next trimester starts in April. A sponsorship means they can join one of our focus schools with all the necessary school supplies, and continue with their education journey uninterrupted with their peers.

Will you help change the lives of one of these bright young minds by becoming a sponsor?

Sponsorship for Education

Neville has been waiting for a sponsor for 556 days. He’s 12 years old and in 7th grade.

Enjoys: Drawing and playing soccer
Talents: Drawing
Favorite subjects: Science and Creative Arts
Dream job: Soccer Player

Sponsor me!

Morgan has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 11 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Reading
Talents: Drawing
Best subjects: Creative Arts and Agriculture
Wants to become: An Aeronautical Engineer/ Artists

Sponsor me!

These bright young minds are eagerly waiting for sponsors to continue their education journey. Your support can make a significant impact!

Brian has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 11 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Reading and Drawing
Talents: Drawing
Best subjects: English and Creative Arts
Wants to become: Building and Construction Engineer

Sponsor me!

Sponsorship for Education

Christian has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 9 years old and in 4th grade.

Enjoys: Playing outdoor games and dancing
Talents: Dancing
Best subjects: Mathematics
Wants to become: A Soldier/Arny General

Sponsor me!

Sanchez has been waiting for a sponsor for 506 days. He’s 12 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Playing Soccer
Talents: Playing Soccer
Best subjects: Mathematics, Science and Technology
Wants to become: an Automotive Engineer

Sponsor me!

See more students waiting for sponsorship!
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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

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