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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Coding Stars Shine at DirectEd Bootcamp

Following a successful introductory Python course in January, 14 students from Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) eagerly participated in the DirectEd Launch Day at Kenyatta University on April 13th. This event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for them as they embarked on the main DirectEd Bootcamp, a challenging but rewarding program designed to equip them with valuable programming skills.

Although the students missed out on access scholarships for additional support such as laptops and Wi-Fi, they remained enthusiastic and used the Elimu hub facility’s desktop computers to pursue their learning. Six students boldly enrolled in the main DirectEd Bootcamp, demonstrating dedication and enthusiasm.

These six students have completed the first module of the Bootcamp, delving into web design with languages like HTML, CSS, and Tailwind CSS. Interactive learning through Kahoot quizzes on Zoom calls added a fun and engaging element to their studies.

Reflecting on his first two weeks in the program, Michael said, “We’ve been studying various coding languages like HTML for structuring webpages, CSS for styling, and Tailwind CSS for applying styling within HTML. We’ve already completed four projects and are looking forward to learning JavaScript.”

We’re incredibly proud of our NRCF students and their commitment to learning and growth. We will continue to share their progress and achievements throughout the DirectEd Bootcamp. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey into the world of programming!

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Educational initiatives during the April school break at NRCF

During the school break at the end of the first term, we compiled a comprehensive list of educational programs to keep our students engaged and intellectually stimulated. These programs were designed to be both entertaining and informative, covering a wide range of topics and activities to appeal to children of different ages. Our goal was to help our students retain what they had learned in the previous term and nurture their curiosity and love of learning. We also introduced grade seven and eight students to sexual reproductive health lessons.

Grade seven and eight students received a comprehensive training program covering mental health, drug, and substance abuse, and sexual reproductive health. The program covered essential topics such as sexuality, adolescence, pregnancy, contraception, and safe sex practices. We aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Force, a grade seven student, said, “I learned about the male reproductive system and the dangers of drug and substance abuse. I learned a lot and can’t wait for the next phase of this training.”

Our high school curriculum consisted of academic and social education for our students. We taught computer skills, email writing, and life skills training for those in their first year in high school. For those in the second year, we continued with computer classes and email writing. For those in the third year, we taught computer classes and email writing again, while the form four students participated in mathematics discussion groups, computer classes, and email writing.

We are proud to say that our comprehensive educational programs have been a great success, and we are committed to developing and improving these programs to meet the evolving needs of our students and to ensure that they receive the best possible education. We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

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Another Successful Round of Coding Classes

Last year we partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation to introduce an intensive coding boot camp aimed at recent high school graduates. This three-part program provides a pathway for students to learn the basics of coding and programming. From last year’s cohort of 14, two students successfully advanced to sit for the main DirectEd exam, subsequently securing internships.

One such success story is that of a junior developer, James, who is actively using his learned skills. James was one of the two students who sat for the main DirectEd exam, where he did well. In September 2023, he joined Lido Nation as a Software Developer Intern, where he worked on coding until February 2024 while also freelancing at Hostraha, a web-hosting company in Nairobi. He is currently a student at Egerton University, where he is working on something really interesting. Together with his friend, they are working on a startup company! The company will offer a cooperative approach where individuals and groups can own properties seamlessly. They started the coding work almost a month ago and they hope to successfully pull off this entrepreneurial venture.  

DirectEd Coding Boot Camp Success Stories

Recently, a new crop of our high school graduates took the same coding course. DirectEd conducted the Introductory Course, a week-long coding training program. Introducing participants to the fundamentals of programming using Python, this course attracted 18 students eager to embark on their coding journey. Using digital platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Piazza, and Notion, students engaged in immersive learning experiences, accessing a diverse range of resources including PDF modules, instructional videos, and feedback forms. Daily check-ins and workshops facilitated active participation and knowledge retention, ensuring a dynamic learning environment.

The end of the Introductory Course was marked by a rigorous examination taken by 14 dedicated students on January 13th, 2024. All 14 students successfully transitioned to the next phase of the DirectEd boot camp. DirectEd held a virtual closing ceremony that served as a testament to their dedication and achievements. 

By creating relationships with outside institutions to provide quality training programs, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students. 

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The Life Skills Program

Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has been doing an incredible job in transforming the lives of children through various programs. One of the successful programs is the Life Skills Program, which aims to equip young people with essential life skills as they transition to the next phase of their lives.

The Life Skills Program was designed to help students develop important life skills that would enable them to navigate through life successfully. Recently, the program targeted secondary graduates who were aspiring to join post-secondary institutions. The program was conducted for ten days, during which the students were taken through various topics such as conflict management, effective communication, critical thinking, leadership, financial management, and career guidance, among others.

The program was facilitated by a team of experienced professionals passionate about helping 

young people achieve their full potential. The facilitators included Senior Caseworkers, post-secondary case managers, financial literacy facilitators, external sexual reproductive health officers, and officers from the Kenya Insitute of Business and Counselling Studies (KIBCO). The team was committed to ensuring that the students received high-quality training that prepared them for the challenges they would face in the future.

Life Skills Program

The Life Skills Program was a resounding success, with over a 95% attendance, which was impressive. The program enabled the students to have a positive and realistic view of their strengths and weaknesses, be objective when choosing their careers, and explore their abilities versus the career world.

The feedback from the training was very positive, making the one-on-one guidance plan sessions fun as the facilitators got deeper into the students’ world. The program was transformational, and the students significantly improved their confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities.

The Life Skills Program is just one of the many programs that NRCF offers and we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and support that enables them to achieve their full potential. Join us in this journey of transforming lives!

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Empowering Minds for Success: Alumni Employability Training

Ngong Road Children’s Foundation strongly believes in the power of education. Recently, we organized an employability training session for our alumni, led by Mr. Calvin. Over 20 alumni attended the event, which was a huge success. The event focused on providing our alumni with essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, and enterprise. These skills are crucial in any professional setting and are highly valued by employers.

In today’s highly competitive job market, graduates need to stand out. Possessing a growth mindset, being adaptable to learning, and embracing technology and social media are key factors that can significantly enhance employability. Mr. Calvin emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence, as understanding and managing emotions can greatly impact workplace success.

We are committed to supporting our alumni on their journey to success. Let’s join hands and empower more young minds for a brighter future!