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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Pursuing a Dream of Affordable Healthcare

affordable healthcare

My name is Faith, and I’m a 16-year-old student. I love dancing, reading novels, and playing hockey. In fourth grade, I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, and because of their support, I was able to attend Nelson Mandela Academy, which is one of the Program-Focused Schools. Currently, I’m studying at Precious Blood Riruta and I am in Form 3.

I like biology and chemistry the most because they allow me to think critically. I enjoy exploring the complexities of life and trying out chemical reactions. During my free time at school, I like to read and hang out with my friends.

I want to pursue a career in medicine and help people who can’t afford expensive treatments. I plan to establish a medical facility that fully funds treatment so that everyone has access to quality healthcare. What motivates me is making a positive difference in the lives of others.

I’m determined to use my knowledge and skills to bring about change in the healthcare sector. Empathy, compassion, and dedication to serving the community are the values that drive me toward making a lasting impact. With hard work, perseverance, and the support of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, I believe I can accomplish my dream of providing affordable healthcare for all.

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Senior Camp 2023: Nurturing Resilience and Grit

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation organized a transformative Senior Camp from November 13th to November 17th, 2023, at the scenic Naivasha West Beach camp in Kongoni, Nakuru County. The camp aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022 KCPE graduates as they transitioned to Form One and acknowledge the accomplishments of the Form Three students of 2023. Under the overarching theme of “Developing Resilience and Grit,” the camp set out to instill passion and perseverance in the face of challenges to empower the students for success in high school.

A total of 43 campers enthusiastically participated, joined by a dedicated team of 12 staff members. To facilitate organization, the campers were divided into four teams, each comprising 10-11 members, each team distinguished by vibrant T-shirt colors. The spirited competition throughout the camp culminated in the yellow team being crowned as the victorious champions of the 2023 camp competitions.

The camp was a holistic experience, offering a diverse range of activities to enrich the participants physically, mentally, and emotionally:

Arts and Crafts: The students engaged in creativity through arts and crafts, where they learned to fashion friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity served a dual purpose of nurturing artistic expression and imparting entrepreneurial skills by demonstrating how readily available resources could be transformed into marketable items.

GRIT Training: Teams delved into the concept of GRIT, understanding the skills necessary to cultivate perseverance, particularly in the challenging environment of high school. This training equipped students with tools to navigate obstacles, ranging from academic pressures to peer influence.

Leadership and Motivation: Students were introduced to the servant leadership model, exploring the characteristics of effective leaders. The camp emphasized that leadership is a skill that can be acquired, dispelling the notion that one must be born a leader.

Field Trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa: A field trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa provided a unique learning experience, allowing students to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley and witness power generation from hot springs by KenGen. This excursion broadened their understanding of the environment and sustainable energy practices.

Crazy Olympics Sports: The camp incorporated fun and laughter with Crazy Olympics sports, including balloon relays and egg spoon relays, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills in a lighthearted atmosphere.

Nine Series Obstacle Race: The pinnacle of physical and mental challenges came in the form of a Nine Series Obstacle Race. Students engaged in a series of tasks designed to test their problem-solving skills, promoting resilience and adaptability.

The Senior Camp of 2023 was an immersive experience that not only celebrated achievements but also equipped students with essential life skills. Through a carefully curated mix of activities, the camp fostered creativity, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for the participants as they embarked on their high school journey. 

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An A-Student, Future Neurosurgeon, and Courageous Individual

NICOLE

Nicole is a bright young girl living with both her parents and a sister. She spends her free time kneading, reading, and watching movies. Her favorite novel is The Doc Diaries, and her favorite movie is Wednesday. Nicole’s mother is her role model, and in 2020, she joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, where she continues to make a positive impact.

Courageous Neurosurgeon

Recently, Nicole sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and scored an impressive A- (386 Marks). Her favorite subject is Mathematics, which she enjoys because it challenges her to think critically. She values her health and enjoys playing sports like football and athletics with her friends during her free time.

As a child, Nicole faced bullying but she finally decided to stand up for herself. She found the courage to overcome the challenge, and today, she is a confident and courageous individual. Nicole aspires to become a neurosurgeon and run her hospital. Her main aim is to save many people’s lives and overcome various challenges that come with the profession. With her tactical skills, she believes she can make a positive impact on society.

Lastly, Nicole dreams of visiting the United States of America someday. With her determination, intelligence, and courage, there is no doubt that she will achieve her dream.

Transform a life

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Small Business Training Program

Through our 2022 Alumni Survey, a significant proportion of our graduates reported an interest in gaining business skills to assist them in starting their own full-time business or a side hustle business in addition to their primary sources of income. We started a Small Business Management Training Program earlier this year to train our graduates how to plan, establish, comply with local authorities, and run a profitable business. 

The training was divided into two phases: the introductory phase and the main training phase. 

  • 34 alumni attended the introductory phase (Introduction to Small Business and Taxation)
  • 20 qualified to proceed to the second phase (Small Business Management Training)
  • 10 completed both phases and graduated with a certificate and toolkit to start or grow their existing business. 

    The 10-week training took place in the Elimu Hub on our campus. It was facilitated by Be The Leader (BTL), an employability and job preparedness training organization. They are well qualified to provide training on employability, career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics to Kenyan youths.

    The Small Business Management Training Program provided our alumni with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, strategies, and practices. They learned about the importance of financial management, business ideas, and market research. The program also taught them how to create a comprehensive business plan, identify opportunities for innovation, and evaluate the feasibility of their business ideas. Financial management concepts were covered, including revenue, costs, profit, and cash flow. They were introduced to different funding options and legal structures for startups, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, and incorporation. Risk management was also covered, identifying potential threats and addressing them.

    The training program had a significant impact on the trainees, enhancing their knowledge and skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and enabling them to develop and refine business ideas. The program also fostered confidence and motivation in the trainees, empowering them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

    The graduation ceremony marked the end of the training program. They received a toolkit essential for their respective businesses and certificates, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their businesses.

    Our Small Business Management Training Program saw dedicated alumni graduate with essential skills and tools to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. This not only helps them transform their lives but also empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs!

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    Young Talent with Big Dreams

    Hey! I’m Taylor, a 13-year-old with big dreams. I love drawing, football, and swimming, and my favorite meal is ugali and chicken. I live happily with my parents and two siblings. When I grow up, I want to be a soldier, artist, and professional footballer. Being a soldier is cool because I get to help people and show how much I love my country. Art is my way of expressing myself, and football? Well, that just makes me super happy!

    I’ve been part of Ngong Road Children Foundation since 2021 and currently attend one of their focus primary schools in grade five. My favorite school subjects are Maths, CRE, and physical education. During my free time, I enjoy reading and playing football.

    Saturday programs are the highlight of my week. I meet peers and mentors, play football, solve puzzles, and draw. It’s a day filled with fun and learning.

    During school holidays, you can catch me at Elimu Hub, leveling up my computer skills, finding cool ideas for my drawings, and picking up new tricks. Thanks to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation for granting me all these awesome opportunities. I’m learning a bunch, and I’m really thankful for that! Transform a life.