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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Emmanuel, the certified software engineer graduate

My name is Emmanuel, and I am pleased to be among the graduating class of 2023 at Moringa School! I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) program in 2013, when I was just about to complete my primary school education. I enrolled at one of their elementary focus schools, where I sat for my national examinations. I got a good grade, which enabled me to secure a place at a boys boarding school in Nairobi. During my time here, I discovered a passion for rugby. I joined the school’s rugby team; it was a great way to engage myself in an extracurricular activity while still studying. Once I graduated from high school, I knew that I wanted to venture into the world of computers. In 2018, I joined Kenyatta University to take a degree course in Mathematics and Computer Science. I immersed myself in the world of numbers, algorithms, and programming languages.

During my third year at Kenyatta University, I felt the need to enhance my practical skills in Software Engineering. To pursue this interest, I decided to take a break from my degree course and enroll in a certificate course in Software Engineering at Moringa School. Before starting my course at Moringa, I had the opportunity to join the TechMates program as a developer intern. Taking my course while still interning was a really good experience, as I got to put the skills I was learning to use and learn new concepts that were not necessarily taught in class. 

After 6 months of learning, I completed my certificate course, and on the 30th of June, I graduated at the top of my class! I am proud of myself for this achievement, and I hope to hit even greater milestones in the future. My gratitude goes out to my sponsor and the NRCF/FoNR program for believing in my abilities and helping me realize my dreams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHQ225RQUkY

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Gloria’s Story of Resilience and Opportunity: From financial hardship to educational success

My name is Gloria, and I was born and raised in Nairobi. My parents encountered financial difficulties throughout my early childhood, which made it difficult to ensure my continued education. Despite my desire to attend school on a regular basis, my inability to do so sometimes made me feel discouraged. This immediately changed when I was given the opportunity to join the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).

I was enrolled in one of the organization’s focus schools after joining the program. I sat for my national exams, finishing my primary education. I performed well in the exams and was able to gain admission to a girls high School in Narok. I completed my high school education and graduated. The NRCF program has computer package training that is usually undertaken by high school graduates before joining higher learning institutions, and so in March, I started the training.

Amidst the training, the DirectEd Development Foundation partnered with NRCF to offer coding courses to high school graduates. I was privileged to participate in the introductory program of the DirectEd bootcamp. This program involved an examination that I passed, and 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. Moreover, I was provided with a wifi device that ensures uninterrupted internet access, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the program’s online resources and coursework even when I am at home.

I would like to pursue Project management, and this would be a way for me to offer something valuable to people and companies. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my sponsors, Susan and Steve, for always ensuring that I get the best quality education, which has enabled me to hit all these milestones. I am also grateful to the program for its invaluable support in ensuring my holistic development.

Watch Gloria’s transformation Video

Transform a life.

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The transformative story of Millicent

My name is Millicent. My parents learned about the program through a family friend who had a child enrolled in the program. To join the program, I had to go through an interview process, which I completed and passed. This sponsorship relieved the financial burden on my family and allowed us to manage other expenses easily.

I attended one of the program’s focus primary schools, where I sat for my KCPE. I enrolled at a girls boarding secondary school in Kiambu County. . After completing high school, I had the opportunity to take computer courses offered by Belmont College through NRCF. This was a life-changing opportunity, as it expanded my knowledge of computers beyond what I had learned in high school.

I joined Kabete National Polytechnic after my high school education to pursue a course in Social Work and Community Development. Throughout my coursework, I acquired additional skills both in the classroom and through my attachments. I completed my final year exams at Kabete National Polytechnic, and I am currently awaiting graduation. I decided to apply for an internship at the TechMates program, and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to learn new skills as a Digital Marketer. I have been able to learn these skills through courses and practical applications 

Ngong road children’s foundation

Thanks to the support I have received from NRCF, I have not only experienced significant personal growth but also been inspired to strive for new achievements. As I await graduation, I am extremely grateful to NRCF for believing in my abilities and for the transformative impact they have had on my life.

Transform a life.

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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.

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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.