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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DirectEd Coding Bootcamp

On April 12, 2023, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DirectEd Development Foundation. This relationship will help pave the way for our students to enter the programming era, which has become an indispensable skill in our digitally-driven world. 

The DirectEd Development Foundation, a UK-based charitable organization, is dedicated to providing evidence-based, scalable, and cost-effective coding bootcamps and scholarships to under-resourced, high-potential students in Africa. We are thrilled to be part of this valuable partnership.

Through this collaboration, 25 of our 2022 high school graduates participated in a three-part program specifically tailored for students like them facilitated by tutors from DirectEd. The first phase of the program was a one-week coding course that took place from April 24th to April 29th. The twenty-five students registered for this virtual training course were provided with access links to the online Google Classroom and learning resources for the bootcamp. 

To complete their online studies, students had access to desktop computers in the computer lab in Elimu Hub, where they downloaded and studied Python (a popular coding language) modules, submitted assignments and exercises, and utilized the Zoom application for virtual meetings and coding practice. Students participated in other workshop sessions focused on effective learning and time management.

On April 29th, 21 students sat for the bootcamp’s final exam. Based on the examination results, 14 students advanced to the second phase of the program (the main program) which is an intensive 12-week computer-based program. 

The main program began on May 15th. In preparation, students were given the opportunity to apply for the DirectEd Access Scholarship. The scholarship provides them with a laptop, a tutorial voucher, and a stipend to attend the program. Six out of the 14 students were awarded Access Scholarships. The other eight students will receive laptops from the Friends of Ngong Road Laptop Lending Program,

We express our deepest gratitude to the DirectEd Development Foundation for helping empower our students through technology. 

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Susan Boren Visits Nairobi

Recently, our sponsors Susan Boren and Steve King had the opportunity to visit our campus in Nairobi.  Here are Susan’s impressions: 

My first visit to the Friends of Ngong Road program in Nairobi was in December of 2019 when I met the three students my husband, Steve King, and I sponsored.  It was an inspirational day to meet these young people for the first time and have the opportunity to see their homes and meet their parents/guardians.  When I left I really understood how our support was changing lives. 

On May 31st of this year, Steve and I visited the program together. So much has changed!  New offices, new computer lab, new library, new Blockchain Lab, growth of Karibu Loo, and more students being served.  We were overwhelmed by the professionalism of the team and the genuine warmth with which we were received. Steve and I met all of the staff had a chance to see the new library and computer lab (both housed in the Elimu Hub). We meet recent alumni, all of whom introduced themselves as “beneficiaries “ of the program.  

We support several African charitable organizations, but none are as professional or effectively demonstrate the impact of donors.  While the office visit was great and reassuring that there is a holistic support system behind every student. The best part of the day was spending time with Gloria, Faith, Ryan, and David – the students we support.  We fed giraffes, visited a snake-rich zoo, enjoyed lunch, went shopping, and visited each family’s homes.

We left with full hearts knowing that our sponsorship support is vital, but only one part of a caring support system that encourages these students to excel.  The only sad note to our day was learning that there are 50 students on the website waiting for sponsors…and that’s a small part of those who would be qualified to join.  

Thank you to Kelvin, Tunda, and Martha for planning an awesome day!

We hope all of our sponsors can visit the program in Nairobi.  See the accompanying article on our next group trip opportunity.

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Wepowerment Legacy Circle

Ruby and Gene Hermeier, Wepowerment Legacy Circle benefactors

We are pleased to introduce the Wepowerment Legacy Circle of Friends of Ngong Road, our estate and planned giving program. During 2023, the founding year, you are invited to join the 11 declared members by designating a planned gift to create a legacy of education.

Including Friends of Ngong Road in your estate plans allows us to celebrate you during your lifetime and honor you and your family for years to come. As you are writing or amending your will, please consider a planned gift to sponsor a student, endow a named scholarship, or support our programs where the need is greatest.

You can read about the options for making a planned gift and find a form on our website to join our Wepowerment Legacy Circle. Have you already included Friends of Ngong Road in your estate plans? Let us know!

For more information, please contact Carole Patrikakos, Executive Director, at carole@ngongroad.org.

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Travel to Kenya with us!

Join Friends of Ngong Road for the trip of a lifetime to Kenya: 

Thursday, Feb. 29th- Saturday, March 9 2024! 

You will spend three days in Nairobi meeting students during the Saturday Program, tour schools, visit our new Elimu Hub and get to know the Nairobi staff that directly supports our students.  If you are a sponsor, you will have an incredible experience meeting your student, spending time with them and meeting their family.  

After Nairobi, you will go on a safari in two national parks with Ahnasa Travel. Watch the sunset over the plains, scout for animals, and enjoy meals and overnights in luxurious lodges.  

We will hold an online information session on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:30-12:30 Central Time. Click here to express interest for more information and the Zoom link (it will be recorded if you cannot participate). If you have questions and you cannot make it to the information session, contact Naomi, our Donor Relations Associate at naomi@ngongroad.org

Cost and Timeline:

The trip cost is $5,100.00 per person sharing (based on 8 guests traveling)

Does not include airfare and some meals

Registration deadline is September 8, 2023 

30% deposit due September 22

Itinerary Highlights

Friday March 1st 

Tour our facility at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and meet our staff

VIsit a couple of primary and junior secondary schools

Tour Karibu Loo (our portable sanitation business in Nairobi with a mission of supporting our programs) 

Saturday March 2nd

Visit the Elephant Sanctuary 

Attend Saturday Program for lunch and recreation with the students

Dinner with Ngong Road Children’s Foundation board members and alumni 

Sunday March 3rd

Home visits to sponsored students

Lunch and shopping with sponsored students

Monday March 4th

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. 

Tuesday March 5th

Morning Cliff Boat Safari and evening game drive around Lake Nakuru.

Wednesday March 6th

Drive to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. 

Thursday March 7th

Safari in the Masai Mara 

Friday March 8th

Safari in the Masai Mara 

Saturday March 9th

Fly to Nairobi  

Enjoy shopping and dining inside the Village Market complex 

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First Lawyer Graduate

Elizabeth has overcome significant challenges to build a promising future for herself. Orphaned at the tender age of 4, she faced financial struggles and lacked basic necessities. However, her life took a positive turn in the 4th grade when she joined Friends of Ngong Road . She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with determination, consistently demonstrating her commitment to success through her excellent academic performance. When she finished high school, she had achieved remarkable grades and secured admission to a 4-year university.

Initially interested in criminology, Elizabeth received valuable advice from a friend that led her to change her career path. She enrolled in the University of Nairobi and successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in Law after four years of dedicated study. Building upon her undergraduate education, Elizabeth secured an internship at R.W Mbanya and Company Advocates. This is where she gained practical experience in the legal field. Motivated to further her legal knowledge, she then pursued a diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law. She completed her studies and pupillage with the support of her sponsor who helped her to get all of the necessary books needed to study and pass her exams. She officially joined the Kenya Bar in June 2023 and became Friends of Ngong Road’s first lawyer graduate.

Elizabeth acknowledges that the program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Her achievements make us immensely proud, and her story serves as an inspiration to other students, illustrating that with the right support and determination, dreams can be achieved.