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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November 29, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

NRCF Career Workshop

The NRCF Career Workshop, held on November 5th, 6th, and 11th, 2024, was a dynamic and impactful event that brought together students, speakers, and facilitators to explore career opportunities and life skills. The workshop’s success was attributed to excellent support from the office and the enthusiastic participation of students across all forms.

Students were introduced to strategies for discovering their passions and potential career paths. Emphasis was placed on innovation, situational awareness, and understanding personality traits through prior personality tests. Many students expressed interest in multiple careers, showing less focus on traditional professions like law, health, education, engineering, and IT.

The workshop featured notable speakers who shared valuable insights and personal experiences:

  • Joel Powon (ABSA SME Regional Manager) stressed the importance of work ethics and networking.
  • Ann Maina (Agile Coach, Safaricom) advocated for an agile approach to career planning and provided an analogy to help students identify opportunities and manage risks.
  • Ian King (Entrepreneur) shared his personal journey and donated four impactful books which had a profound impact on his career trajectory and his relationship with money.
  • Winfred Nyokabi (NOMADIT Events) highlighted the growing significance of remote work, resilience, and IT skills.
  • Dr. Sandra Sebitosi-van Jaarsveld (Entrepreneur, Pretoria) shared strategies for balancing work and life while navigating challenges in a foreign country.
  • Dr. Diana Abuodha (Medical Services Manager, Avenue Healthcare) discussed healthcare opportunities and her academic improvement journey through better study habits.
  • Grace Kamau (HR Business Partner, Save the Children) encouraged adaptability and openness to change in the evolving workforce.
  • Epher Wanambisi (Nurse, Barnes Jewish Hospital) shared experiences in nursing and emphasized the diverse opportunities within the field.
  • Ann Njeri spoke about the value of character, resilience, and meaningful friendships in achieving one’s dreams.
  • Dr. Josephine Muiru (Pharmaceutical Industry) detailed her career transition from clinical practice to pharmaceuticals, outlining the risks and rewards.
  • John Smith (Aviation Engineer) addressed substance abuse challenges in fast-paced careers, particularly in the aviation industry.
  • Nkatha Omondi (Lawyer) provided an overview of various legal career paths and opportunities.

The students explored concepts like Ikigai, which encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and live a life filled with purpose and joy, career duality, and the distinctions between jobs, careers, and callings. They also engaged in activities and discussions tailored to their age and academic levels, enhancing their understanding of career planning and personal growth. 

This enriching experience left participants motivated, equipped with actionable insights, and prepared to navigate their future career journeys. We strive to continue having initiatives that will transform the live of our students.

November 7, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Francis’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Epicears Rabbitry

Francis is a professional zoologist, rabbit farmer, and web developer with an inspiring story of resilience and entrepreneurship. His journey with the NRCF program began in 2010 when he joined the program, as his mother had struggled to keep him in school. Through NRCF’s assistance, he completed his primary and secondary education and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Today, Francis is a thriving entrepreneur, running his own business, Epicears Rabbitry, which he established in November 2023. His journey into entrepreneurship was strengthened by his time in the Techmates program, where he acquired valuable web development skills. These skills have enabled him to create a website for Epicears Rabbitry, enhancing its reach and marketing effectiveness.

His involvement in NRCF’s Small Business Training program further boosted his business. The training program provided Francis with funds to expand by purchasing new rabbits, helping him meet growing customer demand. Epicears Rabbitry also caters to events by selling rabbit meat-based dishes, a popular option due to the meat’s lean and healthy protein content. The demand has grown so significantly that Francis now collaborates with other farmers to maintain a steady supply.

Francis is grateful to the NRCF program for both his educational foundation and the support he received to fuel his entrepreneurial journey. He is optimistic about the continued growth of Epicears Rabbitry and is committed to providing a nutritious food option to the community while scaling his business.

November 4, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

During her visit to NRCF offices in Nairobi, Paula engaged in a series of strategic meetings aimed at enhancing partnerships and expanding opportunities to empower and support our beneficiaries more effectively. One of her key discussions was with the team at the Public Diplomacy section of the US Embassy, where they explored multiple potential areas for collaboration. These included mentorship programs facilitated by Alumni of US exchange programs, resource sharing through American Centers, and opportunities for professional development for staff. These partnerships hold promise to bring significant resources and learning opportunities to our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities.

In addition, Paula met with the leadership of Carolina For Kibera (CFK) Africa to discuss possible synergies, especially in youth empowerment. CFK Africa fights extreme poverty in informal settlements in Kenya through complementary youth leadership and public health initiatives. Together, they outlined ways to work towards common goals that would increase our impact and improve employment outcomes for young people. This collaboration aims to leverage each organization’s strengths, amplifying efforts to create a positive change in youth employment.

Lastly, Paula expressed gratitude to Shivani from Zen Garden, appreciating her continued support for NRCF’s local fundraising efforts. Shivani’s dedication has been instrumental in boosting our fundraising initiatives through events hosted at Zen Garden, helping us sustain and expand our programs.

These partnerships aim to strengthen our mission and enhance our impact in the community. We look forward to building on these connections to achieve our shared goals.

November 1, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

An Artistic Touch with Carl

During their one-week visit to Nairobi, Paula and John recently had the pleasure of meeting Carl, a former surgeon who has embraced a new path as an artist focused on works that highlight social issues. Carl’s dedication to blending art with social impact was evident as he shared insights about his creative journey, offering a powerful example of art as a catalyst for awareness and change. 

During their time with Carl, Paula and John visited some of Kenya’s iconic cultural and art spots, including Utamaduni Craft Centre, the renowned Kazuri Beads studio, and Karen Art Village. These stops showcased Kenya’s vibrant artistic heritage and its influence on the local community and economy. The excursion provided a fuller view of Kenya’s creative landscape, from handmade crafts to contemporary art spaces.

Carl got the opportunity to attend the Saturday program and joined the youth art club, where young, aspiring students showcased their works. He got to hear firsthand about the students’ artistic journeys, nurtured by our dedicated volunteers who tirelessly support and mentor them. The young artists shared stories of growth, creativity, and transformation made possible by this community’s guidance and encouragement. The Creative Arts program holds special significance as the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya now includes creative arts as a core component, recognizing the importance of fostering artistic skills from an early age.

At the end of his trip, Carl left an enduring impact by sponsoring Kyle, one of the young artists, embarking on a transformative educational journey that promises to support and develop Kyle’s creative talent.

For more on Carl’s work, you can explore his LinkedIn page and his artwork website.

October 30, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

A Legacy of Transformation: Paula’s Inspiring Visit to NRCF 

Paula, the visionary founder of the NRCF program, recently completed a meaningful one-week trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where she connected with a diverse range of individuals who form the heart of NRCF’s community. Her trip was packed with moments of inspiration, collaboration, and reflection on NRCF’s mission and future.

A highlight of Paula’s trip was her time with the students she sponsors, most of whom are now in post-secondary education or are proud alumni. They enjoyed a lunch gathering and a memorable safari to Naivasha. These moments allowed Paula to connect personally with her students, gaining insight into their lives and witnessing firsthand the progress they have made. At NRCF’s offices, Paula also joined a panel of alumni, whose stories of success were truly inspiring. Each alumnus shared how NRCF’s support had transformed their lives, helping them pursue their dreams and reach new heights.

Paula also met with the team leaders at the Techmates program, one of NRCF’s employment initiatives that aims to equip young people with essential tech and digital skills. Together, they discussed program activities and explored how to connect Techmates graduates with job opportunities on platforms like Upwork, enabling them to secure work and grow their careers. Paula spent time with the rest of the Techmates team to gain insight into the skills they are acquiring, the jobs some have secured, and the challenges they face. This open dialogue helped uncover potential solutions to ensure ongoing success for current and future Techmates participants.

In addition to her time with students and alumni, Paula connected with NRCF staff and individual Board members to better understand their roles and contributions toward NRCF’s mission. This exchange fostered a deeper appreciation for the staff’s dedication and commitment to NRCF’s goals. In a significant milestone, Paula’s term as Board Chair came to a close, and Jeff was elected as the new Chair of the NRCF Board during the Board meeting on October 25th. 

Paula’s contributions to NRCF have been nothing short of transformative. As the visionary founder, her commitment has been the bedrock of the program, helping to empower countless students and alumni through education and mentorship. Her support has opened doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach, and her dedication has inspired resilience, ambition, and growth within the entire NRCF community. We are grateful for her leadership and enduring belief in the potential of each student. Paula’s impact resonates in every success story and personal achievement, and her legacy will continue to inspire NRCF’s mission for years to come. Join us in transforming lives today!

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Friends of Ngong Road
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Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

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