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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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!

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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.

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Celebrate our recent grads!

Benta

Transforming Lives Through Education

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

Education and empowerment

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

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A sponsor’s recent trip to Nairobi

A unique element of our program is that it allows for sponsors to have a one on one relationship with their student, often sparking a special bond between them. This bond grows even stronger when sponsors have the opportunity to meet their students. We always encourage sponsors to take this life changing trip to meet their sponsored student and get a glimpse of how they are helping their student transform their life. One sponsor, Brittany, and her daughter Amina took a trip to meet their sponsored student Crystal.  

Their experience:

sponsor a student in Kenya

Our recent trip to Kenya was a truly unforgettable experience, thanks in large part to our visit with Crystal. Meeting her and her family was heartwarming; they welcomed us with such kindness and generosity. We had the pleasure of visiting Crystal at St. George’s Primary School, where she excels in her studies. Seeing her enthusiasm and dedication firsthand was incredibly rewarding.

Our time in Kenya was filled with memorable moments. We enjoyed feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, an experience both fun and educational. At Stedmark Garden, we explored a variety of animals from Kenya and beyond, which was both fascinating and enlightening. 

One of the highlights was attending the Saturday program with Ngong Road students, where we shared a meal and participated in activities together. This trip not only deepened our appreciation for the impact of sponsorship but also enriched our lives with the warmth and spirit of Kenya. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Crystal and look forward to more experiences like this in the future.

Brittany and Amina

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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.