Archives for June 2023

June 21, 2023 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

The Art Club

We have recently launched a new art club to nurture the artistic talent of our young beneficiaries. The club, which is led by the dynamic duo of Mr. Grandsan and Mr. Jonnie, aims to introduce the wonders of the arts, provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talents, and pave the way for a promising future.

The club was launched on the 18th of this month, and the first day was about introducing the children to the world of arts. The children were given a variety of art activities to try, including painting, drawing, dancing, and singing. They were also encouraged to share their own creative ideas.

The club’s goals include introducing the arts to the children, providing a stage for expression, laying out the path to becoming an artist for those who are naturally talented, and encouraging independence early on in order to secure a future source of income. The club’s leaders believe that the arts have the power to transform lives, and they are committed to providing children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and reach their full potential.

With your help, Ngongroad Children’s Foundation can continue to allow its young beneficiaries to explore their creativity and reach their full potential.

Donate today and help us make a difference in the lives of these children.

June 17, 2023 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

The Book Club

Igniting a Love for Reading and Cultivating Young Minds!

Join us at Ngongroad Children’s Foundation’s Saturday Program as we embark on an exciting journey of discovery through books and imagination. Our newly launched Elimu Hub is a haven for young book lovers, featuring a computer lab, a dynamic library filled with captivating stories, and a creative space for art and design.

The Book Club aims to enhance a reading culture and inspire a new generation of passionate readers. Every Saturday, our sponsored children come together to enjoy a day filled with fun, engagement, and education. By utilizing interactive techniques like reading aloud and reading around, we encourage active participation and foster a love for literature.

Through African literature that resonates with their backgrounds, we promote cultural awareness and celebrate diverse voices. We focus on nurturing creativity, improving English skills, and cultivating a lifelong passion for reading.

Transform a life today by donating or sponsoring a student.

June 14, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Freelance and Tax Compliance Training

On the 8th of June, a highly valuable training session on freelance and tax compliance was organized for the TechMates currently under the TechMates program and other beneficiaries involved in the freelancing world. This training aimed to equip the participants, who are predominantly freelancers for Ngong Road and other external clients like Lidonation, Upwork, and other freelancing platforms. They were provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their work portfolio and ensure tax compliance.

Lydia Ontiri, a tax expert from Be The Leader, conducted the session, covering essential topics for successful freelancing in the modern market.

The training aimed to aid TechMates, freelancers in client management, boosting portfolios by enhancing client attraction and work strategies. Lydia shared insights, strategies, and best practices to effectively market their skills. This included tips on networking, online platforms, and showcasing their previous work. By focusing on these aspects, the TechMates gained valuable knowledge on how to differentiate themselves in a competitive freelance landscape.

In order to understand the importance of clear and well-defined contracts in freelance work, the training included contract creation. They were provided with valuable guidance on how to draft contracts that protect both parties’ interests and establish expectations regarding project deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and intellectual property rights.

To ensure they practice their civic duty, the training also included comprehensive guidance on tax compliance and filing returns. Lydia walked the TechMates through the process of filing returns through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) portal, providing a step-by-step demonstration.

The training demystified tax filing, equipping participants to navigate their tax obligations confidently and understand the process effectively.

This training played a crucial role in empowering the TechMates to comfortably navigate through the freelance world.

June 9, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Saturday Program Update

The Saturday program, a child development initiative, has been making a significant impact on the lives of our students by providing a platform for engaging and fun learning experiences. Through a range of activities facilitated by dedicated staff, students have been able to explore their interests, enhance their skills, and build lasting friendships among themselves. In the past months since the beginning of the year, we have also been privileged to have visitors, sponsors, and donors join us during the Saturday program.

One notable visit to the Saturday program was by Amy, the Chief Operating Officer of Friends of Ngong Road. During her visit to Nairobi, Kenya she visited the program and joined the students in various activities. Her presence brought a sense of excitement and encouragement to the students as she conveyed warm greetings from sponsors. Amy’s personal interaction with students fostered connection, reminding them of their sponsors’ love and support, fostering a sense of connection.

Robin, a sponsor and brother of Andy, visited the program and interacted with sponsored students, friends, and participated in fun activities. Andy, a board member and Chief Technical Officer at Friends of Ngong Road, also met with the students.

Another significant contribution to the Saturday program came in the form of donations from the Waterfront Mall in Karen, Nairobi. They donated books, clothes, and shoes for the students. Book donations increased library collection, while clothes and shoes were given to students . These donations will not only provide valuable educational resources but also help improve the students’ well-being.

The Saturday Program fosters hope, transformation, and belonging among students, fostering growth and community, inspiring them to support each other.

Donate towards the Saturday program.

June 7, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

James, the aspiring IT guru

My name is James, Growing up in loving family with parents, siblings. However, our family faced significant financial instability, which impacted my education. During my early years, I attended a school where I frequently faced the threat of being sent home due to unpaid school fees. I received the NRCF scholarship, which changed my life. This scholarship became a life-changing opportunity for me, opening doors that had previously seemed closed.

With the support of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, I enrolled at Jagiet Academy, where I completed my primary education. This was a significant milestone for me, as it marked the completion of my foundational education and provided me with a solid educational background. After graduating from primary school, I was able to continue my education at Hospital Hill High School.

High school experiences enriched diverse interactions with people from various backgrounds. This exposure broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of the world around me. I dedicated myself to my studies, and successfully graduated from high school. This achievement allowed me to realize a long-held dream of mine – the opportunity to pursue higher education at one of Kenya’s prestigious universities.

Currently, I am actively engaged in learning computer packages at NRCF lab. Acquiring essential computer skills, I believe will greatly benefit my life in various aspects. Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the introductory program of the DirectEd bootcamp. This program involved an examination, and I am proud to share that I achieved a Distinction grade. As a result, I qualified to join the main bootcamp, where I received an access scholarship. This scholarship provided me with a laptop, which has been instrumental in my learning journey during the bootcamp. A wifi device provided ensured uninterrupted internet access, allowing full immersion in online resources and coursework from home, ensuring seamless learning experience.

Taking part in the DirectEd bootcamp has been an enriching experience for me. It has allowed me to delve deeper into various computer languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Improved skills will enhance my confidence and proficiency in technology careers to impact my future endeavor. I am extremely grateful for the support and opportunities provided by NRCF and DirectEd bootcamp. These experiences have been transformative, equipping me with the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary to pursue my aspirations in the field of Information Technology.

My ultimate goal is to join Kenyatta University to take a degree course in Information Technology. With a deep passion for technology, I aspire to work for leading tech companies such as Google or Microsoft as a software developer. Technology can transform culture, and I am determined to use it for positive change, especially considering the challenging circumstances of my upbringing in a financially disadvanteged family.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and life-changing moments that the NRCF sponsorship has provided me. The experience has been a turning point in my life, offering transformative experiences and opening doors. I am grateful for it.

Watch James’ latest IT achievement video.

Transform a life.