Sallyanne Atieno, Author at Friends of Ngong Road

August 30, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Risper’s Journey and Future Aspirations

My name is Risper, and I’m currently a dedicated form 4 candidate at St. Angela’s Girls High School. The journey I’ve undertaken to reach this point has been filled with challenges, but my determination and the support I have received have shaped me into who I am today. I reside in the humble area of Kawangware, alongside my loving parents and two wonderful siblings. Growing up, life presented its difficulties, and my parents faced the tough reality of not being able to afford my school fees. Consequently, there were instances where I was sent back home due to unpaid fees. Those were difficult times for me and my family, and it seemed like a dream to pursue education without financial constraints.

However, a turning point in my life came in 2014 when I was in grade 3. I had the privilege of joining Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and from that moment, my educational journey took a positive turn. I was fortunate enough to enroll in Jagiet Academy, where I completed my primary education in 2019. The door to a brighter future was opened wider when I gained admission to St. Angela’s Girls High School in 2020.

Beyond academics, I’ve discovered my passion for sports and arts. Volleyball has become a significant part of my life, allowing me to learn valuable life skills while keeping physically active. Additionally, I’ve found immense joy in expressing myself through dance, which led me to become a part of the school’s dance group.

Currently, my focus is on preparing for the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations scheduled for November. My goal is to achieve a B- grade, reflecting the dedication and hard work I’ve put into my studies. Looking ahead, I have aspirations of joining Dedan Kimathi University to pursue a course in journalism. My admiration for news anchor Jeff Koinange has fueled this interest, and I aspire to follow in his footsteps and make a meaningful impact through storytelling.

Furthermore, I have a strong desire to give back to my community through social work. I envision engaging in social work as a part-time endeavor, as I believe in the power of contributing positively to the lives of others.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my sponsors, Mike and Leah Switzer. Their generous sponsorship has not only allowed me to pursue my education but has also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude. Additionally, I’m immensely thankful to the NRCF program for stepping into my life and making a lasting, positive impact.

Transform a child’s life today.

August 22, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Raymond, the Certified Full-Stack Developer

Raymond receives his certificate at the graduation ceremony

My name is Raymond and I embarked on my transformational journey when I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) in 2014. Back then, I was a student in grade 4 and I was really happy to become a part of NRCF and start my empowering journey in education. I joined Jagiet Academy where I completed my primary education. After primary school, I transitioned to Makwa Boys High School. This is where my passion for Computer Science began.

This newfound passion made me reconsider my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Upon completion of my high school studies, I was eager to pursue a career in Software Engineering. I began the computer package training that Belmont College was offering under the program in January. In April, NRCF entered into a partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation where high school graduates, would be trained in coding and developer skills. I was excited about this partnership, as I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to pursue.

Through my time learning from DirectEd tutors, I underwent a series of modules, each contributing to my growth. However, it was the final module that truly put my skills to the test.

The task was to develop an individual app project capable of addressing real-world problems. My project was termed the “Terminal” and it was a messaging app aimed at providing a platform for seamless communication. Despite the extensive knowledge I had gained, I still needed to bridge some gaps. In order to bridge these gaps, I embarked on another course to learn about socket.io. This is a technology that facilitates real-time and bidirectional communication between web clients.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned to my project to enhance it. The results were impressive, as “Terminal” stood out as one of the best projects in the class, receiving a score of 60 out of 75. After all the learning, I finally secured merit in Full-Stack Development. I received my certificate during the graduation ceremony. It was held on the 16th of August for the 1st cohort of graduates from the DirectEd coding program. I felt honored.

I am grateful for the support from NRCF and for the learning at DirectEd that has propelled me towards my goal. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue building my skills, exploring new avenues in software development, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Transform a life today.

August 18, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

DirectEd Coding Program Graduation

In a significant effort to bridge the tech gap and equip students with coding skills, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation in April 2023 to offer coding training for high school graduates. This partnership aimed to empower the graduates with coding proficiency, opening doors to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry. The program has been taking place for the last few months and was divided into three progressively intensive parts.

Our students were making use of the Elimu Hub for the use of computers to access learning materials and carry out personal learning. Throughout their learning journey, they undertook a comprehensive curriculum comprised of five modules. These modules encompassed a diverse range of coding concepts and principles, and in the final module, the students were expected to each develop individual projects where they were to create innovative apps designed to address real-life problems.

After the completion of the program, a graduation ceremony was held on the 16th of August at Kenyatta University to recognize the participant’s remarkable achievements. Among those present were students not only from NRCF but also from partner schools, including Kagumo Boys High School, Mang’u Boys High School, and Maryhill Girls High School. The event was graced by distinguished speakers who lent their wisdom. Izzat Begum, a member of the Board of Trustees at DirectEd, articulated the importance of fostering girls’ empowerment within the tech space. Shahaf Bar-Geffen, the CEO of COTI, was the keynote speaker, and he offered perspectives on navigating the tech landscape. Simon, the CEO of DirectEd, also offered a brief speech. Our Programs Director, Kelvin Thuku was also in attendance. The students were then given their certificates with different levels of recognition to mark their successful completion of the program and become the first cohort graduates of this great initiative from the DirectEd Development Foundation.

Armed with skills in front-end and full-stack development, we have no doubt that our students will leave an unerasable mark in the tech space. We are entirely grateful to DirectEd Development Foundation for equipping our students with these skills. We would also love to show appreciation to the Cardano Community especially those that sponsored our students through this program. We are extremely proud of our graduates for working hard and attaining this recognition.

July 28, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

The Empowerment Story of Hellen

My name is Hellen, and I am a proud alumni of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Joining the program was a journey. I attended GSU primary school, where I laid the foundation for my academic pursuit. I completed my primary education and got the opportunity to join a girls boarding high school in Limuru.

During high school, I excelled academically and nurtured my talents and passions, focusing on self-improvement and personal growth. Participated in high jump competitions, marathons, and environmental clubs, developing appreciation for nature. After graduating high school I attended Belmont College’s computer packages classes through NRCF program.

Later joined the Institute of Advanced Technology and started my a course in Business Administration and Management. It was a period of personal growth and after completing the certificate level, I took a Diploma in the same course. I then proceeded for attachment at the Kenyatta National Hospital where I served as an administrator. My dedication and commitment to work did not go unnoticed as a doctor at the facility recognized my potential during this period and I then also worked as his personal assistant.

After graduating college, the doctor hired me as his personal assistant due to my work ethic during the attachment period. I enjoy using my management skills, interacting with various professions, and expanding my network . I am now able to support myself and my family with this job.

The program has empowered me through quality education and well-being, shaping me into the woman I am today. As I aspire for my future, I recognize the vital role it played in shaping me. I am forever appreciative.

Transform a life today.

July 21, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Ngong Road Alumni Youth Group: Empowering Members Through Collective Efforts

A photo of some of the members during the last NRAYG meeting

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we go beyond the ordinary definition of empowerment. We not only empower our students within the 4 walls of a classroom but also nurture their growth beyond the boundaries of academic learning. This commitment led to the birth of the NRCF Alumni Youth Group (NRAYG), an inspiring self-help group comprised of dedicated alumni from the program.

Officially registered on the 10th of November 2022, NRAYG emerged as a beacon of hope for its members and it rests on a powerful belief in the strength of unity and collective effort. Through a systematic approach to savings and lending, NRAYG empowers its members to conquer financial challenges and achieve personal growth. Each month, contributions are made by the 33 active members who are dedicated alumni working towards financial freedom.

The NRCF Alumni Youth Group’s core objectives are centered around elevating its members’ living standards. The group creates a force that propels individuals towards their dreams and aspirations by pooling resources. Drawing on support from NRCF and various esteemed organizations, including Safaricom, NRAYG strives to secure grants and funding for its development initiatives. The wise leadership comprising of a Chairperson, secretary, and treasurer ensures that NRAYG maintains financial transactions that are transparent and accountable.

The group conducts quarterly meetings, thoughtfully blending both physical and virtual meetings to enable seamless participation. During these meetings, updates on the group’s progress, future plans, and any challenges are addressed. With unwavering determination, the group is looking forward to securing a grant from Safaricom’s Ndoto Zetu Phase 2. They are also working on submitting a formal proposal for the Youth Enterprise Development Fund by the end of August 2023. These grants if attained, will provide a significant boost to the group’s economic endeavors, helping them to extend their reach and impact.

As the group continues to thrive, they aspire to give back to the NRCF program. Their long-term goal involves sponsoring a child or two, passing the spirit of empowerment, and nurturing a new generation of dreamers and achievers. NRCF is proud of the NRAYG and we will continue to offer support as they strive to create impact.