Letter from Paula-2014

As the school year kicks off around the U.S. in 2014., the tempo of activity picks up for most families.  That happens for Friends of Ngong Road as well.

During the month of August, we conduct a camp for about 375 students.  We now hold four different camps:  Leadership Camp (for camp counselors); Senior Camp (for students from 8th grade through Senior in high school); Grammar School Camp (for students from 3rd grade through 7th grade) and Little Kids Camp (for younger students).   Each of these camp experiences is tailored to the children in attendance.  This year we had six U.S. visitors assisting with one or more camps.  By now you should have received letters talking about the wonderful time the students had in camp – it is truly the one time each year when they get to be kids!

In mid-September, two of our staff leaders arrived in the U.S. for a three-week visit.  Naomi Kamanda was our first employee (hired even before Peter Ndungu).  Naomi is 26 years old and leads our Secondary School Program.  Tunda Lepore is 29 years old and leads our Primary School Program.  Both of these young women have deep experience with the children in our program and were able to share their insights in meetings with sponsors and supporters at our many gatherings.

One of the things that are distinctive about Friends of Ngong Road is the role of volunteers.  There are many examples of activities or processes or programs we operate today that was conceived and developed by volunteers.  Two special volunteers – Emily Gleason and Turner Cobden – saw a need to create young leaders who have enough experience with the camp that they can move into future camp leadership positions.  They offered a $1,000 scholarship for someone to come and learn the role. Katelyn Pastick and Megan Fischer were selected and have written a story in this newsletter about their experiences.  Congratulations and thank you to Emily and Turner!

A final note for 2014 – we have been working to create a new program for students who graduate from high school and want to pursue post-secondary education.  That program is taking shape – we’ll bring more updates about that in the next newsletter.