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Techmates Program

We consider students fully transformed once they are employed. To enhance their employability, we launched several employment programs, one of them being the TechMates program. TechMates is our new technical training program focused on IT and digital marketing.

Launched in September 2021

The program was started in September 2021. Seven graduates have benefited from this program so far. Each year we aim to recruit at least two interns every six months. During that period, they undergo basic technical training in WordPress website programming and design. After the training, they develop their websites and work on website enhancement and digital marketing for Friends of Ngong Road( FoNR), Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and Karibu Loo as an implementation of the skills acquired during the training. This enhances their technical and interpersonal skills which are key in the professional world.

Assisting NRCF and interacting with FoNR

The TechMates also assist in the day-to-day operations of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation as they master more skills. They assist with teaching some of the younger kids computer basics, running the Saturday Program, as well as troubleshooting technical issues for NRCF staff. Every week they get to meet with two US FoNR board members (Andy Walz and Keith Kale) where they present their weekly accomplishments. The meetings enhance their communication and presentation skills.

Experience with clients

We also seek clients that require freelancing services and provide them with TechMates. Currently, Lido Nation, referred to TechMates by one of our U.S staff (Michon Garrett), has provided several opportunities to TechMates. Three of the TechMates are working on translating the Lido Nation website into Swahili while two are being trained as web developers and blockchain experts. We are optimistic that the relationship with Lido Nation will benefit more of our students in the near future.

We welcome anyone that can offer training, funding, and or mentorship to our students to increase their employability.

October 28, 2014 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Evolution to Post Secondary Program

In 2012, we had our first five students finish high school and in 2013 another twelve students joined their ranks. We have treated this first group of 17 as a pilot project as we worked to shape the Post-Secondary Program.

Based on our mission

The underpinning of the Post-Secondary Program begins with our mission statement which concludes with these words: “so they can transform their lives.” The question is, what is the measure of a life transformed?

[Read more…]

April 20, 2020 By Kelvin Thuku 1 Comment

Update from Nairobi: Food from Friends

Ngong Road Children’s Foundation’s main priority in our COVID-19 response is to focus on family food aid in Nairobi. We are calling this new initiative Food from Friends. In the course of a normal April, our program provides students with breakfast and lunch each weekday while they are on break from school as well as a hearty lunch on Saturdays during Saturday Program. We are no longer conducting these programs due to government directives on social distancing and avoiding gatherings. The children are at home with their families, many of whom are no longer working.

We have been running the Food from Friends project where funds gathered are used to purchase food packages for families. We have approximately 300 families dependent on our program. Each food packet contains 1 kg of beans 2kg of rice, 4kg of maize flour, and 500g of cooking fat. In the last two weeks, we have been able to issue food aid to around 200 families among which 72 of the neediest families have received food packets twice. 75% of our families have 3-5 people in a household and the food pack we give can only last them for a week. We are looking at being able to provide larger quantities of food that would last a family a month, thus minimizing the movements of parents coming for food aid every week.

Families that have received food have shared that they consider themselves so lucky to be part of this organization and so thankful for the food aid support.

We thank our donors and well-wishers for your commitment to providing Food from Friends. We are in this together and we shall overcome. Stay safe.

Kelvin Thuku
Program Manager
Ngong Road Children’s Foundation

December 4, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Laphenus: Aspiring Psychiatrist with a passion for Acting and Sports.

My name is Laphenus, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student at P.C.E.A Kimuri Comprehensive School. I am a passionate and driven individual who loves acting, storytelling, and playing sports such as basketball, netball, and handball. My favorite subjects are Kiswahili and Social Studies, which allow me to explore my creativity and learn about the world

I am proud of my teamwork skills, which I’ve developed through my active participation in school activities. Acting is one of my favorite things—it allows me to express myself, connect with others, and tell stories that inspire and entertain. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team at the Kenya National Theatre, which has given me valuable experience and helped me grow as an actor.

My dream is to become a psychiatrist because I am fascinated by the human mind and deeply care about helping people overcome emotional and mental challenges. Alongside my career aspirations, I plan to continue acting as a way to share powerful messages and stories.

One of my dreams is to visit Paris and India. Paris inspires me with its beauty, art, and culture, while India fascinates me with its vibrant traditions and storytelling. My favorite actor Kenyan actress, Sarah Hassan, motivates me to work hard and believe in my talent.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) has been instrumental in shaping my journey. Before joining NRCF in 2020, life was tough for my family, and education felt like an unattainable dream. NRCF stepped in, providing me with school fees, meals, medical care, and supplies, enabling me to attend one of NRCF’s focused schools, Jagiet Academy, where I thrived. At NRCF, I’ve also been actively participating in Saturday program activities such as taekwondo, drama, and dance, which have helped me develop discipline, creativity, and confidence.

Today, NRCF continues to provide mentorship and resources that allow me to pursue my passions and excel in my studies. It has not only given me access to education but also the confidence to believe in myself and my future. With the support of NRCF, I am determined to make my dreams a reality and contribute positively to my community. I am living proof that education and encouragement can transform lives, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead.

Transform a life today!

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.