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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Deborah’s story: a perfect example of diversifying skills

My name is Deborah, and I have had a journey of growth and learning that led me to where I am today. It all began back in 2008 when I joined Ngong Road Children’s Foundation as a class one student. Little did I know that the organization would become a significant part of my life, shaping my educational and professional path.

During my primary education, I attended Jagiet Primary School from 2008 to 2015. It was a place where I not only gained knowledge but also developed a strong sense of community and compassion. The values instilled in me during those years continue to guide me today. For my secondary education, I moved on to Sacred Heart Secondary School in Mirithu, where I spent four memorable years from 2016 to 2019. 

After completing my secondary education, I decided to take a step towards turning my passion into a profession. From September to November 2022, I enrolled in Vera Beauty College to pursue a certificate course in makeup and eyebrows. This experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the world of cosmetics. It was a fulfilling journey where I sharpened my abilities and gained a greater appreciation for the art of makeup. I am currently awaiting graduation from this course. 

I have recently, made the exciting decision to join the NRCF Techmates team as a digital marketing intern. I had heard about the program and was immediately drawn to the prospect of gaining practical skills in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. During my three-month internship as a Techmate, I will learn about the different aspects of Digital Marketing such as social media management, search engine optimization, and content creation.

I aspire to leverage the skills I will acquire during my internship to embark on a freelancing journey after three months. Freelancing will not only allow me to apply my digital marketing expertise but also give me the flexibility to explore and take on diverse projects while still allowing me to pursue my passion in the beauty industry.  I am entirely grateful to the NRCF program for the life-changing opportunity of being able to get quality education. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Transform a life today.

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Waiting students

Victor

Victor is a 9-year-old boy on the waiting list for a sponsor for almost a year. His dreams clash with the harsh realities of life in the slums. He shares a humble home with his parents and five older siblings. A home filled with love, but often strained by the weight of limited resources. His mother, a tireless casual laborer, and his father, navigating through “Juakali” jobs, try their best to provide for the family. But their efforts still bring uncertainty, as these jobs offer no promises for daily or long-term work.

One thing stands as a beacon of hope for Victor: education. He is full of potential, but limited financial resources make it hard for him to consistently be in school. His mother’s voice carries pride and concern as she speaks of her son’s yearning for education. She knows that with a sponsorship, Victor will perform exceptionally well. A consistent education would be the key to unlocking his future. Victor’s favorite subject is English, and he would like to become a dentist in the future.

Victor’s story is a plea for a worthy chance. A chance to nurture potential, to empower dreams, and to transform a life. Every coin invested in Victor’s education is a brick laid in the foundation of a future that holds promise not only for him but for the community that he will serve.  Consider sponsoring Victor.

Angel

Meet Angel, a 10-year-old young girl ready to embark on a journey to transformation through education, but this has proven hard for her over the years. Every morning, she has to board a matatu (public bus) to school because of how far the school is, and there are times when her parents, burdened by life’s challenges, struggle to afford her transportation. On the days her parents can’t afford her bus fare, she has to wake up earlier and walk to school. However, transportation is just one of the many hurdles she faces. Angel’s father, once the provider of the family, now battles elephantiasis, leaving him confined to his bed. Her mother, now the sole provider, works as a casual laborer while still taking care of their infant, other children, and their home.  The ability to keep Angel in school is becoming increasingly difficult.

Amidst all these challenges, Angel remains a hardworking student. Math and English are her favorite subjects, and she aspires to become a medical doctor. Her aspiration to become a doctor is not just a vision but a testament to her boundless potential. She is also a gifted artist who loves to sketch creative drawings. 

A sponsorship for Angel would be an investment in her potential, a commitment to nurturing the bright future that she represents. With your generosity, you can encourage her artistic talent, fuel her love for learning, and ultimately shape her into the medical doctor she aspires to be. Your compassion will be the cornerstone upon which Angel’s success story is built. Consider sponsoring Angel.

Join us in this journey, where every sponsorship is a step towards a rewarding future for a student in need.

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Moving Forward From High School

The journey from high school to higher education is an exciting and transformative one. Our 2022 high school graduates were provided with impactful experiences and training programs before embarking on their post-secondary journey. From life skills to career guidance, sexual health education to computer literacy, and more, the graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Life Skills and Sexual Reproductive Health Training

High school graduates began with crucial training in Life Skills. We designed this training to provide them with skills that will establish a solid foundation as they transition into a more socially oriented learning environment.

These skills, ranging from effective communication and time management to problem-solving and decision-making, are not only vital for academic success but also for personal growth and development. 

Our older students, trained as Youth Peer Providers, conducted a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health session for them. In a world where informed decisions are crucial, this training empowered the graduates to make responsible choices about their sexual health.

Computer Packages   

In today’s technologically driven world, proficiency in basic computer skills is important for success in any field. This training, offered by Belmont College, introduced them to the world of technology and started their interaction with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, email, and the Internet. They also received certificates at the end of their learning.

Post-Secondary Career Camp

This camp, designed to prepare them for their academic journey, included career training sessions and insights into the college and university placement process. Engaging discussions with buddies,” who are post-secondary students pursuing various careers, provided the graduates with valuable insights into different courses of study and helped them better understand life as a post-secondary student.

Volunteering Program

Recognizing the importance of gaining real-world experience, the graduates attended a 1-week volunteer program. This exposed them to the inner workings of various firms, schools, and organizations, providing them with a glimpse of how the professional world functions. This firsthand experience not only gave them insights into the different industries but also helped them understand the dynamics of a work environment.

Coding Bootcamp and Scholarship Committee Interviews

Through our partnership with the DirectEd Development Foundation, the graduates embarked on a coding boot camp. This intensive 3-part program offered by tutors from DirectEd allowed them to develop coding skills, with students achieving varying levels of expertise, such as becoming full-stack developers or front-end developers.

The graduates also presented their chosen courses to the scholarship committee. This stage is crucial before they join the different higher learning institutions, as their courses are either approved or rejected. 

With these skills in hand, our 2022 graduates are about to join their new learning institutions to pursue their post-secondary courses. We have 7 students going to take degree courses, 12 going to take diploma courses, and 9 going to take certification courses. After completing various training sessions and learning, we believe they are well-prepared to begin their new learning journey. We wish them all the best, and we hope to see them transform their lives through education.

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Kevin, the student with 2 prominent role models

My name is Kevin, and I became a part of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) back in 2017, right when I was in grade 6. My life growing up was centered around my mother and my younger brother. Those early days were filled with dreams and aspirations, and the NRCF program program opened doors I never thought possible. I attended Jagiet Academy, where I received my primary education. Following that, I sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and achieved something I am truly proud of—I emerged as the 3rd top-performing student in the NRCF program that year. It was a testament to hard work and dedication paying off. The year 2019 marked a significant milestone for me as I completed my primary education

In 2020, I transitioned to Upper Hill High School, where I am currently in my final year. Throughout my high school journey, I have found my passion lies in two subjects: mathematics and chemistry. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of both the math and science clubs, which have allowed me to delve deeper into these subjects, nurturing my curiosity and love for learning. As I prepare to sit for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, I have set my sights on achieving a B+ grade. This is my ticket to my dream university, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where I aspire to study chemical engineering. The prospect of becoming an engineer and making a positive impact on the world through science excites me beyond words.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my role models who have inspired me throughout my journey. Greg Mortenson, an American speaker and writer, has shown me the power of education and determination. Similarly, Ben Carson, a writer, politician, and retired neurosurgeon, has demonstrated the incredible heights one can reach with perseverance and a thirst for knowledge. Reading their stories has fueled my ambition to transform my life through education and hard work.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my sponsor, Susan, who has stood by me every step of the way, helping to turn my educational dreams into reality. I am also immensely grateful to the NRCF program for equipping me with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. I want to transform my life and give back to my community and country, all thanks to the opportunities provided by the NRCF program.

Empower a child’s future.

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Meet Natalia who Aspires to Become an Army Police

My name is Natalia and I live with my mother and sister, and we share a close bond. Currently, I’m a student in grade 6 at Nelson Mandela School, and I have a strong passion for a particular subject – Agriculture. It’s incredible to learn about how we can take care of the environment and contribute positively to our planet through this subject. In addition to my studies, I’m an active participant in extracurricular activities at school. One of my favorites is playing football. It’s not just a game for me; it’s a way to stay active and make friends. Besides school, I also have a wonderful Saturday routine. I eagerly look forward to the Saturday program at NRCF because it’s filled with fun games and activities that bring so much excitement to my weekends.

Initially, I was part of the dance group, but I later made the decision to join the Taekwondo team, which I absolutely adore. Taekwondo has taught me discipline, self-defense, and how to push my limits. It’s a sport that empowers me and brings out the best in me. One of my absolute favorite places at NRCF is the Elimu Hub, particularly the library. I have a deep love for reading storybooks, and the library is like a treasure for me. I use it not only for my personal reading but also to find books that can help me with my schoolwork. Knowledge is power, and I believe that reading opens up a world of possibilities.

Another part of the Elimu Hub that I find fascinating is the computer lab. During my free time, I enjoy writing letters to my sponsor, expressing my gratitude for their support, and sharing updates about my life. I also like to unwind by playing games on the computer.

When I think about my future, I have a strong aspiration. I dream of becoming an army police officer because I want to contribute to the safety and well-being of my country. It’s a challenging path, but I’m determined to work hard and make a positive impact.

I am grateful to NRCF for the incredible education sponsorship they provide. It’s not just about receiving an education; it’s about the opportunities, the friendships, and the experiences that have enriched my life. NRCF has been a guiding light in my journey, and I am excited to see where my education and determination will take me in the years to come.

Transform a child’s life.