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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Latifah’s Achievement Story

I am Latifah, a beneficiary of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) I was born and raised in the Nairobi area where I still live up to date. I grew up with my 3 siblings and we were privileged enough to be raised by both parents as most children in my neighborhood are either raised by a single parent or a guardian. However, life growing up was challenging.

Luckily, I got the opportunity to join the NRCF program while I was in grade two. I was schooling at one of their focus schools before joining the program. Once I joined, I did not have to change schools. Nonetheless, a significant difference existed back then, as I could remain in school throughout without experiencing being sent home due to a lack of school fees. Every school need was also being catered for and so my academic grades really improved. I was elected as the school head girl and held this position until my final year in primary school.

Being a disciplined student as well as hardworking made me a good fit for the position. Being head girl allowed me to nurture leadership by guiding peers, setting examples, and fostering a positive influence.

After sitting for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), I performed above average. This earned me a slot at a girls boarding school in Kitale. I was excited to join high school especially because it was a new environment for me since I had not schooled outside of Nairobi county. While in high school, I also had 2 leadership positions. I was a dining hall captain and also an entertainment captain. I am really good at dancing and so it was easy for me to get the entertainment captains’ position. In addition to holding leadership positions, I also participated in a co-curricular activity. I participated in the drama club and joined the team that represented my school at various competition levels.

 I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and when the results came out, I had scored an above average grade! This made me the top-performing female student for the high school class of 2022 in the program. I’m eager to pursue a law degree at the University of Nairobi, having a strong interest in this field since primary school. When I complete my course, I would also like to delve into arts and graphic design.

Thankful to my sponsor Chris for sponsoring me and giving me the chance to pursue my education. Grateful to NRCF for making sure that I maximize the opportunity. Hoping to succeed in my university studies, get a job and transform my life and that of my family.     

Transform a life today

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2022 Graduates Life skills and SRH Programs Update

The high school graduates of 2022 were taken through life skills and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) trainings. This took place from the 20th of February to the 3rd. The organization developed these programs to help students develop basic social skills. It also helps them to promote their awareness in their personal and physical well-being.

We had 26 out of 28 students attend the programs, which represents a 94% turnout. The purpose of this training was to teach the students general and self-management skills, basic social skills and skills related to career development as they transition to higher learning institutions. 

During the 9 day training period, the students were taken through various topics which included but not limited to; effective communication and listening skills, stress and conflict management, emotional intelligence, CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation and personal branding.

At the end of the life skills training, the instructors gave each student a career booklet. From this booklet, they were to research and prepare to attend a mock job interview for their respective careers. Their Case Managers required them to dress professionally and have their CVs and cover letter ready for the job interview. This was a great way for them to familiarize themselves with how job interviews are conducted and test their skills in CV and cover letter writing.

The NRCF Youth Peer Providers (YPPs) conducted the Sexual Reproductive Health training, on the other hand. Planned Parenthood has trained and certified them. Two YPPs conducted the training, and two staff members oversaw the session. The objective of this training was to create more awareness on sexual health matters. It was also to make them understand and learn how to deal with the physiology of their bodies.

life skills and SRH trainings for high school graduates

They covered some topics, including the use of contraceptives, safe sex and consent, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), early pregnancy, abortion, and Gender Based Violence (GBV).

During both trainings, the students were provided with tea and snacks during the break in between the sessions. They strictly observed proper hygiene and sanitation protocols.

Our special gratitude goes to both the US and Kenya teams for the support granted so far. We would also like to thank the Rotary clubs of Kikuyu and Minneapolis for the grant in ensuring the training is conducted. Last but not least, we appreciate the students for taking the time to attend these valuable training sessions. 

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Sally Achievement

My name is Sally and I joined the program when I was in grade 1. Joining Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) meant transferring to a better place. The thought of going to a better school and having my school fees and other school needs fully catered for was so exciting. Once I joined the program, I was admitted to one of their focus schools, and my transformational journey began.

After completing my primary education, I was enrolled at girls secondary school in Limuru. I loved that because I had never schooled outside of Nairobi County. I immediately joined the Music Festival group which involved music and drama performances from different schools and colleges. I was able to become the chairperson of the group when I was in form three. One of my favorite subjects was computer studies and I naturally developed an interest in pursuing a course related to computer science.

After seating for my KCSE I joined Kabete National Polytechnic to pursue a course in Information Communication Technology (ICT). I knew that after 3 years of study, I wanted to be a computer programmer. I came to know of the TechMates program offered by NRCF while I was home for my school holiday and I knew that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn new skills while also implementing them. I then decided to join the program as a developer intern. I interned for 2 months after which, I had to go back to school.

I was due to go for attachment in January this year and I chose to be attached under the TechMates program. For 3 months now, I have been working on the optimization of the NRCF website as well as updating the website’s media. I have also been taking courses offered under the program and I have gained skills in coding. As part of my work, I also assist the computer lab teacher at NRCF to facilitate computer classes for the primary students. My attachment is coming to an end this month, and I am really excited to go back to school having gained new skills and working in a professional environment.

After my attachment ends this month, I will be interning as a developer for 2 months before I go back to school in June. Once I complete my studies next year, I hope to get an opportunity to work for NRCF and also acquire new clients as a freelancer. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my educational dreams and I hope to graduate and inspire more girls to take on technical courses like I did.

Transform a life today.

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Top KCSE Candidate 2022

My name is Boaz. I live with my father, my stepmother and 4 siblings. Before joining the program, I was schooling at Precious Talents School. I recall being sent home countless times due to lack of school fees and my father had to constantly go and ask the head of school to allow me back, especially during the times when exams were around the corner. My parents were both casual laborers and so it was difficult for them to comfortably provide for me and my siblings. 

Luckily, my father heard of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation from his friends in the neighborhood. The place we used to live in is where most of the students in the program are from and the organization had earned a good reputation among the residents in that area. He applied and I got accepted to the program. I joined the program in July 2012 while in grade 2 and I joined Nelson Mandela which is one of the program’s focus schools. I schooled there up until 2015 and I was transferred to General Service Unit (GSU) Primary School while in grade 5. I was determined to achieve the best in my academics and to also hold leadership positions. Due to my good performance and discipline, I was elected a class representative and also a house captain for my dormitory. Additionally, I was also a subject representative for mathematics and Kiswahili in my class and these two were my favorite subjects.

When I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), I scored excellently which enabled me to secure a spot at Nyambaria Boys High School, a national high school in Kisii County. While in high school, I still held various leadership positions. I was a spiritual leader for Seventh Day Adventists in my school and I was also a secretary for the school’s debate club. I was working really hard while in school as I have always been a believer of education being key in opening doors to opportunities and creating paths for higher learning. I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and when the results were released on the 23rd of January 2023, I had scored excellently.

I am the top NRCF high school candidate for the class of 2022! I aspire to join the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and pursue a course in Computer Science. I have developed an interest in coding and computer technology hence my choice of course. One of my goals after joining University is to be able to join the TechMates program and enhance my coding skills under the developers program.

I am grateful to my sponsor, Cathy, for taking me through my educational journey and to NRCF for the sponsorship opportunity. I have benefitted from trainings such as computer training and life skills training offered by the organization and I attribute my success to all of that. 

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Anne’s Success Story

Anne was raised by her aunt. Her aunt heard of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and thought of trying her luck. Anne was later enrolled at the program having passed the interview and joining one of our focus primary schools. This opened a new chapter in her life. Her academic journey smoothened and she was able to complete grade eight and join St. Mary’s secondary school for her secondary studies. She later on joined Ashley’s Hair and Beauty Academy to pursue her career of choice, Beauty Therapy. She worked hard and did well in her final exam and earned an excellent score.

Before she graduated from school, her tutors saw a huge potential in her and employed her in one of the famous SPA in Hill Park hotel. Anne is enjoying her work. She has gained experience and has a dream of starting her own SPA in the near future. Special gratitude goes to her sponsor Lauren Winter who has supported her through her education. Anne is now supporting her aunt and grandmother and can also comfortably take care of herself. She is grateful for the opportunity she got from the organization to pursue her education and dreams.