Programs Archives - Friends of Ngong Road

January 17, 2025 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

DirectEd’s introduction to python: Coding bootcamp

The DirectEd Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, is working to provide free training in software development to promising but under-resourced students in Africa. This initiative bridges the gap between high school and university, offering students an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Python programming. The one-week introductory course is vital for students aspiring to join the main boot camp, ensuring they gain foundational knowledge through comprehensive lessons and a final exam.

Thirteen students from the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation registered for this rigorous course, competing alongside peers from esteemed institutions such as Alliance High School, Maryhill Girls High School, and Mang’u High School. Resource links, primarily hosted on Notion, were shared with the participants to facilitate their learning journey.

The program officially commenced on January 6, 2025, with an inaugural Zoom session. During this session, students received guidance on accessing course materials through platforms like Notion and Piazza and successfully installed Python on their desktop computers. The schedule included daily check-ins via Zoom, which served as a platform for tracking attendance, sharing updates, and conducting computer science workshops. Students accessed modules, videos, and feedback forms through Notion and submitted assignments via Tally forms.

Over the week, participants tackled eight modules comprising 44 exercises. These modules spanned topics such as Python setup, user input and conditional statements, data structures, functions, exceptions, libraries, unit testing, and object-oriented programming. The course also featured workshops, including a session on effective learning and time management led by Simon, the CEO of DirectEd Development Foundation, and another on online financial safety.

The course ended in an examination on January 13, 2025, which tested students through multiple-choice questions and programming tasks. Of the 13 registered students, 10 undertook the exam. The gender balance among participants was evenly distributed, with boys and girls each making up 50% of the cohort.

The week concluded with a virtual closing ceremony where students signed up for the DirectEd developer portal to access additional resources and complete surveys about their experience. DirectEd plans to run two more introductory courses before the main boot camp, which is set to begin in late April 2025. Successful candidates will be notified in early April, paving the way for their deeper engagement in software development training.

This initiative marks a significant step in empowering under-resourced students with valuable software development skills. By equipping them with foundational knowledge and fostering a competitive yet supportive learning environment, the program not only opens doors to future educational and professional opportunities but also inspires students to envision and pursue a brighter future in the tech industry.

Join us in transforming the lives of underprivileged students.

September 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

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.

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.

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:

July 23, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Empowering Leaders Through Mentorship

At the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we understand the power of a helping hand. That’s why we recently organized a dynamic mentorship training program. This program brought together inspiring volunteers from Young Women Leaders Connect and our very own alumni.

But this wasn’t a typical workshop. We delved deep into the essentials of nurturing future leaders, providing participants with the knowledge to empower young minds. Just imagine – young people navigating college applications, mastering time management, and building strong relationships. Our training covered it all, from effective communication to healthy decision-making.

We didn’t stop there. We also addressed the realities of peer pressure, stress, and self-awareness, equipping mentors with the tools to guide young people through these challenges. Practical life skills such as budgeting, problem-solving, and even sex education were on the agenda, ensuring a well-rounded approach to youth development.

True leadership thrives on a healthy foundation. Research shows that mentored youth are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and lead healthier lives. We emphasized physical activity, mental well-being, and responsible choices – the cornerstones of a successful life. By equipping mentors with this comprehensive toolkit, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is empowering the next generation to excel in every aspect of their lives. Investing in mentorship is investing in a brighter future for our community.

The need for impactful mentors is ever-growing. Consider volunteering your time and expertise! Whether you have a background in education, business, or simply a passion for helping young people reach their full potential, your guidance can make a world of difference.

Join us in shaping the future. Contact the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation today to learn more about mentorship opportunities!

July 4, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Empowering Post-Secondary Graduates for Success in their Careers

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation recently hosted a heartwarming graduation ceremony to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our post-secondary students who completed their higher education at various colleges and universities. It was a memorable occasion as these young individuals prepared to take their first steps into their chosen professional paths.

At the employability skills session, Mr. Calvin expertly covered a wide range of crucial topics to equip our new alumni with the necessary skills for the workplace. The session delved into effective communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of both verbal and written communication in the professional world.

Mr. Calvin also provided valuable insights on time management, stressing the significance of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. In addition, the session featured in-depth discussions on teamwork and collaboration, shedding light on the benefits of working efficiently in a team environment. Furthermore, adaptability and problem-solving skills were explored, highlighting the significance of adaptability in dynamic work settings and the ability to think critically to solve complex challenges. Overall, the employability skills session was comprehensive and insightful, ensuring that our new alumni are well-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.

The event ended on a high note with a delightful cake-cutting ceremony, lively music, and refreshing soft drinks to celebrate and uplift our new alumni. Let’s continue to make a difference in the lives of students. Your support can help provide education to more students. Join us in our mission to create brighter futures.

May 29, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Facilitating students’ career exploration through the scholarship program

Navigating higher education can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing a field of study that aligns with your passions and future goals. On May 21st and 22nd, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation hosted a special scholarship committee program to provide important support and guidance to students as they began their careers after completing their high school education.

The program aimed to empower students to confidently explore potential fields of study, ensuring their chosen path resonated with their unique interests and aspirations. Participants were equipped with interactive workshops, personalized guidance sessions, and insightful career exploration resources

“Participating in this program was truly enlightening as it entailed thorough research and exploration of potential courses of study,” shared Anderson, one of the scholarship students. “The constructive feedback and valuable recommendations I received have been instrumental, and I am eager to seek further guidance as I continue to deliberate on my career choices.”

The program has seen many students successfully enter their chosen fields of study. The program’s success is evident through the high percentage of alumni who have been successful and have made significant strides in their respective fields.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation’s commitment to empowering students extends beyond financial assistance. By providing tailored support and mentorship, the program goes the extra mile to ensure each student is equipped with the necessary resources to succeed academically and professionally.

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