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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Zen Garden Charity Padel Tournament that Transformed Lives at NRCF

In a vibrant display of community spirit and philanthropy, Zen Garden recently hosted a charity padel tournament that not only showcased competitive spirit but also aimed to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The event, held on 7th September, brought together avid padel enthusiasts, sponsors, and supporters, all rallying behind a common cause: supporting Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. The atmosphere at Zen Garden was electric as participants gathered for a day of intense competition and camaraderie. Padel enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned players to newcomers eager to contribute, took to the courts with passion and determination. Each swing of the racket echoed a commitment to making a positive impact, beyond the confines of the game itself. Behind the tournament’s exhilarating matches lay a deeper purpose: to raise funds in support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. This foundation, renowned for its dedication to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education and holistic support programs, became the focal point of the event’s charitable efforts.

Impactful Contributions and Generosity

Participants and sponsors alike demonstrated extraordinary generosity. Their contributions, whether through registration fees, sponsorships, or donations, formed the financial backbone of the event. The event raised over 300K and every penny raised went directly towards empowering children with educational opportunities, healthcare support, and mentorship, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

Looking Ahead

As the echoes of the tournament fade, its impact continues to resonate. The funds raised will enable the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation to expand its reach, touching the lives of more children in need. The event stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and when a community comes together for a noble cause.

Join us in our next fundraising event on 25th October at Zen Garden from 6 pm. 

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Coding bootcamp created more “Techies”

This year we have had multiple coding bootcamps for our students, including the recent high school graduates bootcamp. We saw our high school graduates develop and become technology enthusiasts, with several of them enrolling in technology-related courses at various universities and colleges.

Coding bootcamp success

The students were first taken through an intensive three-month computer certification program to familiarize them with the ins and outs of computer hardware and software, such as Microsoft Office and the Internet. This certificate is usually key, as students with such knowledge possess the upper hand in college. The students were also introduced to programming, where they acquired the basics of coding and built various personal projects like portfolios. 

We  partnered with an organization called DiredEd which offers coding bootcamps to recent high school graduates. They seek paid internships for the students that complete the bootcamp successfully. Four of our students, Michael, Kevin, Sheila, and John, successfully completed the bootcamp focusing on building Artificial Intelligence models that address real-life problems. This is a growing skill as the world embraces AI in day-to-day work. 

Three of the four, Michael, Sheila, and Kevin joined the DirectEd Trainee Program, which offers mentorship from experienced professionals and networking opportunities. They will also get paid internships, and gain experience while in college.

Coding bootcamp success

Michael stood out during the entire bootcamp, consistently displaying exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. He took the lead in group projects and played a significant role in various bootcamp projects, showcasing technical skills and collaborative spirit, leading to his project being awarded the Best Project in Generative AI in the DirectEd bootcamp. A social media platform that enforces community guidelines through AI, earned him top honors.

All these would not have been possible without your generous donations. The funds raised from our Summer Appeal have been crucial in ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive in the tech world. Your contributions have helped us create the next generation of tech talent, empowering students like Michael to achieve their dreams. Thank you for helping “create techies.”

See some of Michael’s projects:

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Celebrate our recent grads!

Benta

Transforming Lives Through Education

Benta joined the program in 2013 and it has been a life-changing opportunity for her, as she was able to consistently attend school and receive other support through our programs. Her mother was facing challenges raising and educating her and her other two siblings.

Benta initially enrolled in one of our focus primary schools that was not so far from her home. She was able to walk to school. After primary education, she attended high school, where she unlocked her love of numbers and finances. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the university. During her academic journey, Benta has had several achievements, such as leadership positions at school and during our summer camps. She has evolved from a shy girl to a well-spoken and ambitious young woman.

Benta was excited to have graduated recently and is now job searching so that she can support herself and fully transform her life. Additionally, she is looking forward to pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification with time to boost her career.

“Having a brighter future has never been certain like it is now. I”m ready to pursue my dream career in accounting and uplift my family and community.” ~ Benta

Gavin

Education and empowerment

Gavin joined the program in 2008. Raised in a large family with eight siblings, life was far from easy. When Gavin was young, his mother became the main provider for the family. She worked hard every day to make sure they had what they needed and took care of everyone with strength and love.

Despite the challenges at home, Gavin has always been a smart and hardworking child. After matching with a sponsor, he started attending one of our partner primary schools. He was always at the top of his class, and on the final exam of primary education, he was the top student in the school, in the ward where he resided with his family (Ngando), and among his cohort at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).  

Gavin then joined a national-level high school where he did well. After scoring a good grade on his high school exams, he joined Africa Nazarene University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business and Information Technology. During his academic journey, Gavin has had many achievements, including holding leadership positions during our Summer Camps and being the best student multiple times. While in school, he used his free time to work remotely as an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist and offered Google Ads and WordPress website services as a freelancer. He is now eager to step into roles in Business Intelligence, Business Analysis, and Business Development.

Gavin’s connection with NRCF has been profound. Being an excellent chess player, he regularly volunteers at our Saturday Program to teach kids how to play chess. Each session is impactful, and the sense of community that NRCF fosters is something Gavin deeply values, and he is grateful for the opportunities he was provided.

“With the support I’ve received, my future is now filled with endless possibilities. I’m ready to step into a career in Business Intelligence and uplift my family and community.” ~ Gavin

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Carolyne’s Apprenticeship in Fashion Design and Tailoring

Carolyne joined the NRCF program in 2012. Starting her education at Jagiet Academy which is one of our focus schools, she began her primary education. She then continued to Mirithu Girls High School, where she completed her secondary studies.

Her passion for community work led her to pursue a certificate in community development at Kabete National Polytechnic. After graduating, she worked as a case manager in the NRCF office in both primary and secondary departments. But her curiosity and drive didn’t stop there. When she learned about the organization’s apprenticeship program, she eagerly enrolled. For three months, she trained under a master craftsman in fashion and design, sharpening her skills with dedication. Upon completing the program, she was gifted a sewing machine, a tool that would help shape her future.

Today, Carolyne is a skilled tailor and fashion designer. She has embraced the digital age by selling her creations online and has transformed her life in ways she once only dreamed of. She now supports herself and her siblings and helps her mother with rent and groceries. 

Carolyne’s outgoing and friendly nature perfectly complements her career in fashion and design, where her warm demeanor and excellent communication skills attract loyal customers. She is deeply grateful to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) for their unwavering support and extends her heartfelt thanks to her sponsor for guiding her through her entire academic journey. For Carolyne, this experience is a permanent testimony of hope, and she hopes that NRCF continues to support other vulnerable students for years to come.

Join us in transforming lives.

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Teresiah’s transformational journey to culinary mastery

Teresiah’s journey at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation began on the 12th of August, 2006, when she joined the program that would forever change her life. Starting at Jagiet Academy, she later moved to GSU Primary, where she completed her primary education. After passing the Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination, she stepped into Enna School for her secondary education, full of dreams and determination. In pursuant of her passion, Teresiah joined Mountain Top College to study Hotel Management, a field that had always captivated her heart.

Upon graduating, Teresiah’s culinary talents took her to various esteemed hotels, Kisii Mart Supermarket, IBIS Styles, Waterbuck, and White Rhino hotels, where she sharpened her skills as a chef and pastry expert. Today, she proudly serves as the Chief Cook at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, a place that feels like home, where her journey first began.

Throughout her life, Teresiah has benefited immensely from the opportunities provided by the organization. Programs in Sexual Reproductive Health, computer classes, and medical care all played a vital role in shaping the person she has become. But it was the summer camp that truly brought her the most joy—a memory she cherishes deeply.

Growing up, Teresiah was a reserved child, keeping to herself and having only a few close friends. But over the years, she blossomed into a self-principled, organized, and responsible young woman. Now married with two beautiful children, she reflects on her journey with profound gratitude.

Teresiah is deeply thankful to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation for holding her hand through every step of her educational journey. Her heart swells with appreciation for her sponsor, who never wavered in their support. Without this unwavering support, she knows that attending school would have been an impossible dream, given the challenges her family faced. As she looks back, Teresiah’s heart is filled with hope and a wish that the organization continues to uplift and empower many more needy students, just as it did for her.

Join us in transforming a life today.