Search Results for: saturday program

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

April 2, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Dreams of a Future Surgeon

My name is Tiana, and I am 11 years old. I live with my grandma and I have two siblings. My hobbies include reading and acrobatics, and my favorite book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In 2021, I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and was enrolled at Jagiet Academy, which is one of the program’s focus schools.

Currently, I’m in grade six, and during my free time, I like to learn new things and review the lessons taught by teachers. My favorite subjects are science and mathematics. I love mathematics because it’s like a puzzle that helps me understand the world, and science because it teaches me about plants, animals, the human body, weather, and even outer space! Science also encourages me to think critically and be curious.

When I want to relax, I enjoy reading, and sometimes, I listen to music. My dream is to become a surgeon because they have the skills and knowledge to fix people up. Surgeons can perform surgeries and use special tools to make people healthy again. It is amazing how they can fix broken bones, remove tumors, and even transplant organs. Being a surgeon would also allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives and learn even more about the human body.

During Saturday programs, I like spending time with our mentors, participating in different sports activities, and creating stories with my friends. I also visit the Elimu Hub during school holidays to learn from the internet and play educational games. In the future, I would love to visit Disney World, Florida, and see the four Theme Parks in person.

March 26, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

The Class of 2023 Moves From High School to Postsecondary

In 2023, 21 students, 12 girls, and 9 boys, completed their Kenya Certificate of secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

Top Achiever

Our top-performing student, a boy (Moses), achieved an impressive A minus (A-) grade, enabling him to pursue a prestigious university course of his choice in Kenya. Moses is a very quiet and empatheticic young man who loves to help others, play soccer, and dance during his leisure time. During our Saturday Program, you will find him teaching young kids how to dance. His best subject has always been mathematics, for which he scored an A plain (A) which is the highest grade a student can attain. His career ambitions are either Piloting, Aeronautical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. He has the potential to do well in any of these career tracks.

Moving on to Exciting Postsecondary Programs

Seven more students obtained grades that qualify them for admission to various degree programs at universities. Among the remaining students, seven will pursue diploma courses, while eight will pursue certificate programs. Many of the students have chosen career paths in IT/computer science, business, and health-related fields. Some students had a lot to say about the impact of the organization on their lives and their next career goals.

Michael – “My future now looks bright, and I can’t wait to advance my career, get a job, and change my life. Thank you to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation.”

Sheila – “I’ve always enjoyed playing with numbers. My career options include statistics, data science, and data analysis. I’m excited to pursue one of these careers.”

Clare – “With the help of Ngong Road, I will be able to pursue my desired business career. I have always been interested in business, and I am excited to use the skills I will gain at university to make a difference in the world.“

Kelvin – “I’ve always wanted to work in information technology, and now I can because I’ve attained a grade that allows me to pursue any IT course of my choice. Thank you, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, for your support.”

Preparing for Post-Secondary

Before beginning their respective universities/colleges in September, the students will participate in a full slate of preparatory programs aimed at helping them succeed in the next phase of their lives. These programs include life skills training, sexual and reproductive health education (SRH), basic computer training, and advanced coding skills for those interested in IT/computer science.

Life Skills:

The purpose of the life skills training program is to equip students with essential skills such as time management, self-management, basic social skills, and career development skills. Other skills taught include effective communication, listening skills, stress and conflict management, emotional intelligence, CV (resume) and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and personal branding.

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH):

Statistics in Kenya indicate that a significant number of post-secondary students face challenges such as unplanned pregnancies, which may disrupt their education. To prevent our students from facing similar challenges, we provide them with relevant knowledge and skills to navigate this critical phase of their lives responsibly.

Basic Computer Skills:

Computer literacy is crucial for students’ success in higher education, especially with the adoption of hybrid learning models due to COVID-19. We offer training in basic computer operations and applications. Additionally, through our Post-Secondary Computer Loaner Program, we provide students with laptops to support their educational journey. We rely on donations from our supporters to ensure all students have access to laptops and sincerely thank anyone who has donated.

Advanced Coding Skills:

We offer advanced coding training programs for students, including web development skills, in collaboration with organizations like DirectEd. Successful completion of these programs provides students with internship opportunities at international companies, with the potential for employment. Two students (James and Ezra) from the 2022 graduating class secured internships at companies where they worked while pursuing further education. James was placed at Lido Nation, a blockchain initiative aimed at educating people on blockchain technology. Ezra was placed at the DirectEd Organization, helping with the technological initiatives of the organization.

Friends of Ngong Road trip hosted by Paula Meyer

Kenya Safari and visit to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Itinerary

(With Optional Gorilla Trek in Rwanda Extension)

Dates:

March 13 – 23, 2025 (Kenya segment)
March 24 – 26, 2025 (Rwanda segment)

KENYA

March 13, 2025 – Departure

Depart from home cities in the United States for Nairobi

March 14, 2025 – Arrival

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and transfer to Hilton Doubletree Hotel

March 15, 2025 – Ngong Road Children’s Foundation

After breakfast, transfer to the offices of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, the sister organization of Friends of Ngong Road. Meet members of the staff, learn about them and see the facility. Learn more about the program and meet a panel of alumni who will share their life stories. Meet sponsored students and take them to KFC for lunch and then for shopping.

In the afternoon, spend an hour at the Saturday Program and then return the children to their homes where you will meet their parent or guardian. Dinner will be back at the hotel with time to discuss impressions. Breakfast provided at the hotel; Lunch and dinner not included.

March 16, 2025 – Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen home, Kazuri and Utamaduni

Depart the hotel at 9:30 am promptly for the David Sheldrick Elephant Trust, where will have an opportunity to interact with the gentle giants of Africa and learn more about how the trust raises orphaned elephants. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, where we will have the chance to feed the famous Rothschild Giraffes. Lunch will be in Karen, followed by a visit to the Blixen home. The Nairobi suburb of Karen is named after Karen Blixen, pen name for Isak Dineson who wrote Out of Africa in 1937. From her home, you can clearly see the Ngong Hills – after which Ngong Road (the oldest and longest road in Nairobi) is named.

Next we will visit the Kazuri bead factory and Utamaduni for traditional crafts shopping. This evening, members of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Board of Directors will join us for dinner in a nearby restaurant. Breakfast provided at the hotel; Lunch and dinner not included.

March 17, 2025 – Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast and hotel checkout, we will transfer to Nelson Mandela Academy, one of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation’s focus primary schools. Take a short walk in the nearby impoverished district to meet the shoemaker who provides shoes for children in the program. Before leaving Nairobi, stop for lunch at Zen Gardens for Asian fusion cuisine. You will meet the owner who is a strong local supporter of the organization and its mission.

We will drive 4 – 4 1/2 hours to Amboseli National Park in time for a brief safari drive into the park, followed by check-in and dinner at Ol-tukai Lodge, with beautiful views of Mt. Kilimanjaro in nearby Tanzania. Breakfast provided at the hotel; Lunch and dinner provided.

March 18, 2025 – Amboseli National Park

We will awake early for a 6:30 a.m. game drive in Amboseli National Park, famous for the many elephant families that live here and the beautiful birds found in this ecosystem fed by snow melt from Kilimanjaro. We return to the lodge in time for breakfast and leisure time when you can enjoy the pool or sitting outside and gazing at Mt. Kilimanjaro. Lunch is at the lodge at your leisure. At 4 pm, our evening game drive will commence in search of more elephants and other animals found in Amboseli. We will return to the lodge in time for dinner. All meals provided.

March 19, 2025 – Amboseli – Samburu

After breakfast check out and drive to Amboseli Airstrip for your flight to Samburu National Reserve, in Kenya’s arid north. Drivers will pick you up at the nearby airstrip for transfer to Ashnil Samburu Camp or Simba Lodge in time for lunch. Samburu is known for its range of antelope species from the tiny dik dik to the gerenuk that feeds on its back legs to the oryx with long twisted horns. We will settle in and then go on an evening game drive at 4 pm, followed by dinner back at the camp. All meals provided.

March 20, 2025 – Samburu National Reserve

By now, you will be familiar with the tempo of safari – an early morning drive followed by mid-day at leisure and late afternoon safari. In Samburu, we will also see elephants, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes. All meals provided.

March 21, 2025 – Samburu to Maasai Mara National Park

After breakfast, we will fly from Samburu to Maasai Mara where we will be met at the airstrip and transferred to the Ashnil Mara Camp or Sarova Tented Lodge with a game drive enroute. In the afternoon we will do a game drive in this park, famous for the wildebeest migration that takes place from July – August. Maasai Mara is the best place to see several of the Big Five – lion, elephant, water buffalo, rhino and leopard. Of course, many other species live in Maasai Mara all year round, including wildebeests, warthogs, wild dogs, Rothschild giraffes and plains zebras. All meals provided.

March 22, 2025 – Maasai Mara National Park

Full day in the park with a morning and afternoon game drive. During our afternoon interlude we will also visit a Maasai village to learn more about Maasai culture. All meals provided.

March 23, 2025 – Mara to Nairobi and then onward

After breakfast, you will check out and enjoy our final game drive enroute to the airstrip. You will fly from Mara to Nairobi, arriving at Wilson Airport before lunch.

For those returning home, there will be day rooms awaiting your arrival at an airport hotel where you can freshen up, repack and prepare for your trip home. You will be taken to the Jomo Kenyatta National Airport in time for your late evening flight to Europe and then back to the United States.

For those continuing to Rwanda, you will transfer from Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta National Airport and the flight to Kigali, Rwanda. On arrival in Kigali you will transfer to the Kigali Serena (or comparable) hotel where the evening is at leisure.

For all travelers: Breakfast and lunch provided; dinner on your own.

RWANDA

March 24, 2025 – Kigali and Volcanoes National Park

Welcome to Kigali! Spanning several ridges and valleys, Kigali, with its lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards and bustling streets, is arguably one of the most attractive capital cities in Africa, as well as easily one of the cleanest and safest. Begin with breakfast, then meet your local guide.

You will begin with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, a moving experience that will take about 3-hours. This memorial honors the estimated 250,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus buried here in mass graves and tries to explain how this came to be and the world watched as the genocide unfolded.

Lunch will be at the Des Mille Hotel, made famous by the movie “Hotel Rwanda.” We will travel to the Parc National des Volcans, enjoying a scenic drive that showcases the magnificent views of the Volcanoes National Park and the terraced hills of Rwanda. Check into your Lodge and relax for tomorrow’s Gorilla tracking. Dinner at the lodge. All meals provided.

March 25, 2025 – Gorilla Tracking

Today you will have the amazing opportunity to trek into the Volcanoes National Park for an experience of a lifetime with a gorilla family. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the Park headquarters to meet your trackers for a briefing before beginning the trek. Pass through light mountain forest in search of the gorilla family to which you are assigned. There are ten habituated groups that call this area their home, and the National Park staff assigns participants to these groups the morning of the trek. Please note that the length of time you are away is dependent on the locations of the gorilla family and some hikes have been known to take several hours to reach the gorillas, especially when it is wet and muddy. This is a serious trek, and participants should prepare in advance as parts of the trail can be steep. A porter will accompany your group to carry items such as backpacks, water, and camera gear. Walking sticks are available for your use. The trackers are there to assist you if needed, and of course, the end result is worth the effort. Necessary clothing and gear is detailed in the packing list.

No more than eight people may visit any gorilla family on any given day so you can be assured of an intimate experience with these impressive animals. Once you reach the gorillas you have an unforgettable hour to spend with them.Following your time with the gorillas, make your way back to the park entrance, where your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer with you back to your lodge for the afternoon/evening to compare photos and stories about your incredible experience with the gorillas. All meals provided; tips for porters on your own.

March 26, 2025 – Explore Kigali and begin your trip home

After breakfast at the lodge, you will transfer back to Kigali. You can relax in a day room near the airport or spend the day exploring Kigali and doing last-minute shopping before departure to your home cities. Lunch and dinner on your own.

PRICING

Note: There are a maximum of 12 travelers on this trip.

Kenya Price – $5,195

Single Supplement – $700

Rwanda Price – $3,125

Single Supplement – $200

We also request that travelers make a gift of $1,000 to Friends of Ngong Road or sponsor a child if you don’t currently do so.

To secure your spot by July 1, 2024, please follow this link to register and make a nonrefundable $1,000 deposit:

Kenya: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/event/EVT21983/

Rwanda Extension: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/event/EVT21984/

PAYMENT DUE DATES/AMOUNTS

October 1, 2024: 50% + Single Supplement Due.

Kenya only: $1,600
Kenya/Rwanda: $3,160
Single Supplements: Kenya = $700; Rwanda = $200

December 16, 2024: Balance Due.

Kenya only: $2,595.
Kenya/Rwanda: $4,160

CANCELLATION POLICY

Trip deposits are due upon booking and are non-refundable. If a participant cancels the trip:

Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days)

Participants are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
In extenuating circumstances, the deposit may be applied to a future trip as a credit.

Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days)

Participants receive up to 50% of the trip fee, minus the deposit.
In extenuating circumstances, the trip fee may be applied to a future trip as a credit.

Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days)

Participants will receive a refund, minus the deposit.
In extenuating circumstances, the trip fee may be applied to a future trip as a credit.

Note: Credits must be used within two years of the original trip departure date.

PRICE INCLUDES:

All park fees as per the itinerary and David Sheldrick Elephant Trust Fee/Giraffe Center entry fee.
Accommodation in Nairobi based on bed and breakfast on Double/Twin Basis.
Full board accommodation while on safari on Double/Twin Basis. No alcoholic drinks included.
Complimentary bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle.
Pick-up and drop-off transfers from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi as well as all transfers from airstrips to lodges while on safari.
In-Kenya flights from Amboseli to Sanburu to Mara and back to Nairobi.
Lunch in Nairobi on March 17 before traveling to Amboseli National Park.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

International Flights to Kenya or Rwanda.
Visas/Tips to driver-guide/porters/Waiters.
Drinks
Personal expenses/Insurance/Phone calls/Laundry or miscellaneous expenses.