News - Page 3 of 88 - Friends of Ngong Road

September 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Celebrate our recent grads!

Benta

Benta joined the program in 2013 and it has been a life-changing opportunity for her, as she was able to consistently attend school and receive other support through our programs. Her mother was facing challenges raising and educating her and her other two siblings.

Benta initially enrolled in one of our focus primary schools that was not so far from her home. She was able to walk to school. After primary education, she attended high school, where she unlocked her love of numbers and finances. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the university. During her academic journey, Benta has had several achievements, such as leadership positions at school and during our summer camps. She has evolved from a shy girl to a well-spoken and ambitious young woman.

Benta was excited to have graduated recently and is now job searching so that she can support herself and fully transform her life. Additionally, she is looking forward to pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification with time to boost her career.

“Having a brighter future has never been certain like it is now. I”m ready to pursue my dream career in accounting and uplift my family and community.” ~ Benta

Gavin

Gavin joined the program in 2008. Raised in a large family with eight siblings, life was far from easy. When Gavin was young, his mother became the main provider for the family. She worked hard every day to make sure they had what they needed and took care of everyone with strength and love.

Despite the challenges at home, Gavin has always been a smart and hardworking child. After matching with a sponsor, he started attending one of our partner primary schools. He was always at the top of his class, and on the final exam of primary education, he was the top student in the school, in the ward where he resided with his family (Ngando), and among his cohort at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).

Gavin then joined a national-level high school where he did well. After scoring a good grade on his high school exams, he joined Africa Nazarene University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business and Information Technology. During his academic journey, Gavin has had many achievements, including holding leadership positions during our Summer Camps and being the best student multiple times. While in school, he used his free time to work remotely as an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist and offered Google Ads and WordPress website services as a freelancer. He is now eager to step into roles in Business Intelligence, Business Analysis, and Business Development.

Gavin’s connection with NRCF has been profound. Being an excellent chess player, he regularly volunteers at our Saturday Program to teach kids how to play chess. Each session is impactful, and the sense of community that NRCF fosters is something Gavin deeply values, and he is grateful for the opportunities he was provided.

“With the support I’ve received, my future is now filled with endless possibilities. I’m ready to step into a career in Business Intelligence and uplift my family and community.” ~ Gavin

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 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

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.

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

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

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.