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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October 1, 2018 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Letter from Nairobi

Summer Camp was a big success. A big thank you to all who supported it.
The 2018 Summer Camp was a big success because everything was implemented as planned thanks to the camp leaders, campers, Post-Secondary student volunteers, NRCF staff, U.S. volunteers, NRCF board, FoNR board, our sponsors, donors, and well-wishers who made it possible. Camp attendance was very high for all the groups. Little kids camp, grammar, and senior camp at 100%, 92%, and 91% respectively. For post-secondary camp, the attendance was lower at 55% since many students were doing their end-of-semester exams in the first week of August. We had no major emergencies, except one of the boys dislocated his wrist during one of the games.

Children got a chance to enjoy a balanced diet thanks to Tile and Carpet (our corporate partner) who donated most of the dry food. The traveling logistics were a success despite the long distance to the camp which was tiresome. All the activities were good and the children enjoyed them very much. There was a great show of team spirit and collaboration during camp activities ranging from fun sports activities, problem-solving games, Crazy games, and “Olympics” sports games. The evening activities, like dance contests, offered the children a platform to explore and nurture their talents. The climax of camp for most students was a field trip to William Holden Animal Foundation and Ngare Ndare Forest Trust which offered our students great exposure to natural resources and conservation practices.

Progress of the Sexual Reproductive Health Program
The NRCF Sexual Reproductive Health Program (SRH) using a Youth Peer Provider model was launched in December 2017. The objective of the program is to provide accurate and comprehensive information and training regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescents and young adults to remain free from unintended pregnancy, and prevention of STIs including access to contraceptives.

The SRH Program is run and facilitated by NRCF Youth Peer Providers (YPPs), who are students recruited to receive training and information. A total of 15 YPPs were trained by Planned Parenthood Global. After the training, we selected 10 trainees out of the 15 whom we felt were most capable and ready to disseminate the information to their peers at NRCF.

The 10 YPPs are effectively offering reproductive health training, guidance, and counseling to their peers. They also refer them to Riruta Health Centre, a local government clinic we are partnering with located in Dagoretti Constituency for further counseling and contraceptives.  Riruta Health Center offers free youth-friendly services such as counseling, contraceptives, and STI testing and treatment. It is an important resource for young adults as we do not offer contraception directly to students apart from condoms and emergency contraceptives.

The SRH Program Coordinator is Joy Obiya, our post-secondary caseworker. Joy provides oversight of the program and meets periodically with the YPPs to provide support and address any emerging challenges.

Since the inception of the SRH Program, that is, from December 2017 to August 2018, a total number of 335 students have been trained. The sessions were conducted during school holidays at the Nelson Mandela School, NRCF offices, and during the August summer camp in Nanyuki

The program is having a great impact on the trainees by improving their knowledge in SRH, helping them in developing self-confidence and self-esteem, and creating a safe space for them in matters pertaining to reproductive health. This has positively changed attitudes, clarified myths & misconceptions, strengthened informed decision-making, and provided them with access to condoms and other contraceptives.

We want to appreciate all our sponsors, donors, and well-wishers who contributed towards the success of this program. Special gratitude goes to Prof. Sally Kenney, Prof. Patricia Kissinger, Kelsey Williams, and other Tulane University students who worked tirelessly and continue to support us to ensure the success of the program.

Karibu Loo Update
Karibu Loo Limited is performing fairly well. We are happy to report that the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) business is back with training sessions taking place in the northern part of Kenya specifically in Nanyuki, Laikipia, and Samburu.

With the new truck that we purchased in May thanks to the generosity of a few individual donors, operations at KLL have been smooth. The donations also helped purchase a new exhauster and more cabins.

At KLL, we continue to focus on KLL’s objectives as follows: Generate a stream of income that will provide 25% of NRCF’s annual operating budget, provide employment for graduates of the program and other Kenyans and improve sanitation in Kenya. We are on track to achieve our first objective and efforts are geared toward making the business more profitable. We continue to provide employment to our graduates and by now over 50 NRCF graduates have had a chance to work in the company, with 30 being regular associates and four permanent employees. The newest permanent KLL employees from NRCF graduates are Norman Ruguaru working as an Administration and Marketing Assistant and Simon Odhiambo working as an Operations Associate. The two are both aged 22 years and graduated from the Form Four class (senior) of 2015. Simon did not pursue post-secondary education thus the training he is receiving at KLL is very valuable to him. Norman enrolled for a certificate course in Nature Interpretation and Tour Administration at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute and is scheduled to graduate in April 2019.

May 2, 2018 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Clean Audit at NRCF

Dear Friends,

We thank you for your ongoing support for impoverished children in Kenya through Friends of Ngong Road (FoNR). In 2016 we faced the challenge of theft by the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) Executive Director and we worked hard to keep you apprised as we worked through that issue. Today we are pleased to provide an update on the results of our activities to strengthen governance and financial control in Kenya. 

NRCF has now received a “clean” audit opinion on 2017 financial results from Crowe Horwath, the Kenyan auditor for NRCF. Sammy Anunda, the lead auditor has shared a summary of their findings which amount to, in Sammy’s words, “…normal housekeeping issues that management has expressed commitment to address.” He recognized NRCF’s significant improvements in internal controls through the creation of an improved procurement process and minimization of cash handling. Crowe Horwath noted that there are no specific high-risk findings to bring to NRCF’s attention.

I wanted to update you on the changes we have made to NRCF’s financial infrastructure that led to this clean audit.

Independent Audit by a Qualified Firm
In 2015 FoNR insisted on the replacement of the existing auditor, a small local CPA firm engaged by the former NRCF Executive Director, with Crowe Horwath, an internationally recognized public assurance firm, to audit NRCF in Kenya. In the March 2016 audit exit interview, we learned that money had probably been stolen, and this conclusion was corroborated by the results of a forensic audit in April 2016. Subsequently, three employees including the former executive director were placed on leave prior to the forensic audit and then terminated in May 2016.

Outsourced Accounting to a CPA Firm
After an RFP process, in August 2016 NRCF outsourced accounting to KKCO East Africa, a third-party accounting firm in Kenya. KKCO helped NRCF establish sound internal control processes and is responsible for payroll, accounts payable, reconciliation, financial statement preparation, and tax management for NRCF. This has added oversight and controls to the financial practices in Kenya, as well as independent insight into best practices.

In September 2016, NRCF created a structured procurement program with support and oversight from KKCO. A procurement committee and policies were created, instilling discipline into the process of making significant purchases of goods and services needed to deliver the program. Acquisitions for items such as uniforms, books, office equipment, and services are approved by a finance committee after the procurement team has collected three independent bids and reviewed additional qualitative elements such as conflicts of interest with potential providers.

Stronger Governance in Kenya
Throughout 2016, the NRCF board successfully recruited new volunteer members. They meet monthly and have taken a more active role in the oversight of program activities than the previous board. NRCF board members include:

  • Rajpreet Bains is the NRCF board chair and owner of a human resources consulting firm in Kenya. Rajpreet was trained in the UK, bringing extensive human resources leadership experience. She has been instrumental in recruiting new board members.

  • Judy Nyaga is the Regional Head of Subsidiary Governance for Standard Chartered Bank in Africa.

  • Robert Murimi is the Marketing Director and Chief Trainer at Impact Change, Ltd., a management training company.

  • Anupa Sanghrajka was trained at the London School of Economics and worked in the UK for several years at KPMG. Upon returning to Kenya, she assumed leadership of a segment of a family-owned business that operates in the home construction industry. She takes the lead in Kenya for financial review.

  • Steve Makimei owns an insurance agency in Kenya and serves on the boards of directors of two schools, bringing a thorough understanding of Kenyan education.

Qualified Personnel Experienced in NGO Leadership
Also in August 2016, the board chairs of FoNR and NRCF interviewed and hired a new program director, Maureen Mulievi. Maureen came to NRCF from Planned Parenthood Global where she managed programs in East Africa. She has brought integrity, effective NGO leadership skills, and a clear commitment to the mission.

Enhanced Oversight by Friends of Ngong Road 
In 2017, we created a finance committee to govern and oversee financial activities in Kenya. Committee members include the partner at KKCO (NRCF’s accounting provider in Kenya), the CFO, treasurer and accountant of FoNR, board members from both FoNR and NRCF, and the program director of NRCF. The committee meets monthly to review actual results versus budget, major procurement requests from the NRCF procurement process, planned funding and necessary adjustments, potential control issues, and proposed remediation plans.

To further strengthen our processes, FoNR hired a part-time, consultant CFO with experience working in the non-profit sector in the U.S. and internationally to ensure the effective implementation of financial controls in Kenya and to monitor progress on audit findings from 2015 and 2016. She got up-to-speed on organization processes in September through November 2017 and spent ten days in Kenya in December 2017. During her seven-month assignment she:

  • Reworked the NRCF budgeting and financial reporting process to more closely mirror current management practices in Kenya.

  • Strengthened the documentation and review processes for all key expenditures in Kenya, in which invoices are put on a shared drive and U.S. partners have visibility into them.

  • Established electronic access to all financial tools in Kenya for U.S. partners to enable transparency and oversight of financial activities.

The clean audit results of NRCF’s 2017 finances are a welcome indicator that our leverage of highly qualified professional accountants and auditors, improved controls in Kenya and oversight from the U.S., engagement of experienced NGO leadership, and more capable governance are working. We believe the environment now ensures all of your contributions will be devoted to the program you have so faithfully supported over the years.

We value your continued support and welcome any questions.

Sincerely,

Amy K. Johnson
Chief Financial Officer and Board Member

April 15, 2018 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Sponsor Spotlight: Jim Hacker

Jim Hacker

In 2014 Jim Hacker was invited by his longtime friend, Bob Ackerman, to go to Friends of Ngong Road’s Annual Gathering to learn about a program Bob cared about. Bob knew the founder of the program, Paula Meyer, and had become a sponsor shortly after the organization was founded. Bob had told Jim several times about his involvement prior to the event, but Jim said it was like “reading readiness” for him that day – he was in the right mindset at the right time that year.

At the Annual Gathering, Jim was impressed with the transparency and strategy of the organization – to make a lifelong difference for students who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance. He saw an opportunity to teach his own granddaughters about the realities of global poverty and for them to potentially form a relationship with someone living a completely different life than theirs in Minnesota.

The day after the Annual Gathering, Jim went online to see the students waiting for sponsorship. He said that after reading their stories it would be hard not to do something. Having four granddaughters, Jim was drawn to sponsor Winnie. Winnie’s mother was doing well on her antiretroviral medications, but the family was struggling to pay their rent, afford food, and send Winnie, her sister, and her two cousins who were also living with them to school. Her mother ran a fruit stand, and the few shillings she made each day could not keep up with the family’s needs.

Winnie started going to Jagiet Primary School. She made new friends both at the school and in the program who gravitated toward her and her sunny personality. At camp that year, she was seen with friends all around her and sporting a constant, joyful smile. Winnie for the first time felt like she belonged and had a group of friends and counselors who understood her.

In the U.S., Jim anxiously awaited Winnie’s handwritten letters that included hand-drawn flower borders and pictures. He loved to share them with his granddaughters on their morning drives to school. Jim admits that the relationship has not gotten as deep and communications not as frequent as he would like, but in Winnie’s last letter, she wrote, “You know, I am now twelve years old.” He thinks that is a hint that she is ready to move into the more grown-up conversation.

Jim’s involvement in transforming Winnie’s life started by just saying “Yes!” to a night out with a friend. Since then, he has had a dramatic impact on one little girl’s life and encouraged his sister and son to also start sponsoring students. Jim is considering leaving a gift to Friends of Ngong Road in his will as he believes in the long-term impact the program can have and wants the mission to live on well beyond his own lifetime.

Jim is a hero to Winnie and all of the students at Friends of Ngong Road. Thank you for your support, Jim.

March 23, 2018 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Judy Nyaga in Minneapolis on May 15

Judy is the Regional Head of Subsidiary Governance for Standard Chartered Bank in Africa and has volunteered at the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) since 2016. She has her MBA from Strathmore Business School and her Masters of Law from the University of Nottingham. She brings strong leadership in corporate governance to the NRCF board and helped lead a girls’ book club in 2017.

Judy visited Minneapolis in the spring of 2018. Longtime volunteer, Steve Kotvis, interviewed Judy while she was in Minneapolis. Check out the illumini podcast to learn more about her work and the board in Kenya.

March 5, 2018 By Lacey Kraft Leave a Comment

Travel Grant Announced to Volunteer in Kenya this Summer!

Friends of Ngong Road is in its twelfth operating year and for nearly a decade has held a summer camp outside of Nairobi. It is a chance for students to get out of the slums, enjoy their own beautiful country, learn about subjects not taught in traditional Kenyan schools such as sexual and reproductive health, have fun, and meet people like you!

Volunteers from the U.S. are invited to participate in camp by leading arts and crafts, discussion groups, education sessions, variety show acts, crazy games, and more! Whatever your niche or expertise is, we are likely to be able to find a place for you.

One volunteer will win a $1,000 travel grant to participate in camp! The application is due April 15. This grant is awarded to a candidate who can fully participate in the camp and be an advocate for the program when returning to the U.S.

Volunteering at camp gives you the chance to:

  • Build deep relationships with students and staff. Most who travel to Kenya say that their favorite part is meeting the people. You’ll be eating, playing, and exploring with students, staff, and other local and U.S. volunteers. There will be tons of opportunities to get to know the students and staff and develop lifelong relationships. We’re sure you’ll say “the people” as your favorite memory too!
  • Experience local customs, traditions, and culture. Food, games, songs, and more! You’ll be immersed in local culture and tradition throughout your trip.
  • See the beauty of Kenya! The camp is located in Nanyuki, Kenya. You will fly into Nairobi and travel with the other volunteers to Moi Equator Girls Secondary School in Nanyuki where camp 2018 will be held. It is a beautiful part of Kenya near Mt. Kenya!
  • Challenge yourself with an experience of a lifetime! You’ll be asked to participate by leading a session, playing games, chaperoning a field trip, engaging in normal camp routines like cleaning your dishes and keeping your bunk area tidy, and being a listening ear for students throughout camp – all needed roles at camp.

Camp 2018 Dates:

  • Post-Secondary Camp: 8/6 to 8/8
  • Leadership Camp: 8/8 to 8/11
  • Grammar Camp (10-14-year-olds): 8/11 to  8/15
  • Senior Camp (high school students): 8/16 to 8/22

It is preferred that the travel grant winner can participate in at least Leadership through Senior Camp, but if the full period is not doable with your schedule, Friend of Ngong Road is willing to have a conversation about travel dates.

Are you or someone you know interested?

  • Click here to learn more and apply for the grant.
  • Contact Development Director, Lacey Kraft, at lacey@ngongroad.org for more information.
  • Submit your application to lacey@ngongroad.org by April 15.

You will be notified by May 1 so that you can arrange your travel plans for August!

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Friends of Ngong Road
100 1st St S #581308
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(612) 568-4211 | info@ngongroad.org

EIN: 20-4690846

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