Child Story Archives - Page 2 of 23 - Friends of Ngong Road

October 2, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Elizabeth’s Journey to Legal Advocacy

Elizabeth joined the program on May 13, 2007, after tragically losing her parents when she was just 4 years old. With no choice but to live with her aunt, they faced severe financial struggles that made it difficult for Elizabeth to stay in school. However, joining the program became a beacon of hope. She was finally able to attend school without interruptions. She was enrolled at Ngando Preparatory School for her primary education, and later she joined Kangaru Girls High School, one of the top schools in Embu, for her secondary education.

During her time in school, Elizabeth’s leadership qualities stood out, and she was elected as the assistant head girl. After successfully completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), she pursued her passion for law by joining the University of Nairobi to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Following that, she attended the Kenya School of Law for a year to obtain a diploma and deepen her understanding of Kenya’s constitution. Elizabeth completed her pupillage at Mamboleo Advocates and was proudly admitted to the bar.

Now, as a lawyer in the High Court of Kenya, Elizabeth reflects on her journey. She acknowledges that without the support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, she would not have had the opportunity to receive an education after being orphaned at such a young age. Joining the program became the turning point in her life. She was able to focus on her studies without further disruptions, all thanks to the unwavering support of her sponsor, who walked with her every step of the way. Elizabeth expresses deep gratitude to them, praying that they receive endless blessings.

Today, Elizabeth’s life is transformed. She lives in a good home and can support her daily needs. She has even extended her support to help her cousin. The impact of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is permanent in her life. Through our programs like computer classes, life skills training, and summer camps, Elizabeth has gained invaluable tools to navigate her career. She hopes that the foundation continues its incredible work, providing opportunities to other students in need, just as it did for her.

Join us in transforming lives today!

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:

September 13, 2024 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Celebrate our recent grads!

Benta

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

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

September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo 1 Comment

Join Us For Our 2024 Community Gathering

We hope you can join us on October 2nd as we bring together sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers and friends to celebrate the progress and impact Friends of Ngong Road has had on many children in Nairobi.

We are especially excited about our special guest, Elizabeth Nyanchera. She is the first graduate of our program to become a lawyer. This is her first trip to the United States and she is looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing her story.

We will also hear from Paula Meyer, the Founder of Friends of Ngong Road, Carol Patrikakos, our Executive Director, and more, giving us program updates.

Wednesday, October 2nd, 5-7pm
Pryes Brewery
1401 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Remarks at 5:45 pm
Food and beverages provided
Free parking surrounds the building

The meeting room only has stair access, regretfully, no elevator. If that prevents you from attending, please respond and we will be happy to schedule another time to meet Elizabeth.

Please RSVP….. Bring a friend, or two!

Elizabeth has overcome significant challenges to build a promising future for herself. Orphaned at the age of four, her life took a transformative turn in fourth grade when she joined the Friends of Ngong Road program and was matched with a sponsor. She found the much-needed support for her education. She embraced the opportunity with commitment and determination, achieving success through excellent academic performance.

After studying at the University of Nairobi, Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Law. She then secured an internship at R.W Mbanya and Company Advocates, gaining practical experience in the legal field. Motivated to further her legal knowledge, she pursued a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law. Elizabeth is currently employed full-time at a law firm, where she drafts legal documents and attends court hearings. Elizabeth officially joined the Kenya Bar in June 2023

Elizabeth says that the Friends of Ngong Road program provided her with invaluable opportunities and support that have propelled her educational journey. Elizabeth’s success shows that with the right support, and personal determination, a child is capable of transforming their life.

September 13, 2024 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

Grant sponsored students

At times we have students who were fortunate to have sponsors who provided for their education, but their sponsors are no longer able to continue their support. These students now need new sponsors to complete their education. We hope you will consider supporting one of these students and provide the opportunity for them to transform their life.

Eliakim

Age: 13

School level: 7th grade

Favorite hobby: reading, playing soccer

Aspiration: pilot

Eliakim, a promising young student lives with his mother and five siblings in a modest single-room house, and despite facing challenges, his passion for learning remains unwavering. His favorite subjects are math and English, and he enjoys reading in his free time. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” is one of his favorite books. With your support, Eliakim can access quality education, healthcare, food, and essential programs, which will help him build a brighter future.

Sponsor me

Mathew

Age: 16

School level: 10th grade

Favorite hobby: playing chess

Aspiration: accountant

Matthew is passionate about learning and dreams of becoming an accountant. He lives in a modest one-room brick house with his uncle and aunt in Nairobi. Matthew excels in both English and math, which will serve him well in a future as an accountant. With the support of a sponsor, he hopes to access the resources and opportunities he needs to improve his life and that of his family.

Sponsor me

Ruffina

Age : 19

School level: college

Aspiration: tour guide

Ruffina is a bright and determined young woman with a passion for travel and storytelling. Her dedication to education is unwavering. Ruffina is currently pursuing a certificate in tour guiding, driven by a desire to share her love for her city and provide unforgettable experiences for visitors. Ruffina only needs two more years of support to complete her studies and pursue her dream career, breaking free from the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future for herself.

Sponsor me

By sponsoring Eliakim, Mathew, or Ruffina, you’re empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Your support will help them complete their education, gain essential life skills, and pursue their dreams.

To see additional students waiting for sponsors click here.