Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

By 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. 

By 1 Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.