Update Archives - Page 11 of 31 - Friends of Ngong Road

June 22, 2023 By Victor Wambua Leave a Comment

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.

June 21, 2023 By Nickson Odhiambo Leave a Comment

The Art Club

We have recently launched a new art club to nurture the artistic talent of our young beneficiaries. The club, which is led by the dynamic duo of Mr. Grandsan and Mr. Jonnie, aims to introduce the wonders of the arts, provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talents, and pave the way for a promising future.

The club was launched on the 18th of this month, and the first day was about introducing the children to the world of arts. The children were given a variety of art activities to try, including painting, drawing, dancing, and singing. They were also encouraged to share their own creative ideas.

The club’s goals include introducing the arts to the children, providing a stage for expression, laying out the path to becoming an artist for those who are naturally talented, and encouraging independence early on in order to secure a future source of income. The club’s leaders believe that the arts have the power to transform lives, and they are committed to providing children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and reach their full potential.

With your help, Ngongroad Children’s Foundation can continue to allow its young beneficiaries to explore their creativity and reach their full potential.

Donate today and help us make a difference in the lives of these children.

May 22, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Alumni Small Business Training

In recognition of the growing importance of small businesses in the Kenyan economy, we took the initiative to provide a comprehensive training program for our alumni who either have existing small businesses or are planning to venture into the business industry.

The training program intends to empower alumni with essential skills and knowledge for navigating business challenges effectively and achieving success.

It conducted over two months, has covered a range of topics essential for small business owners to thrive in a competitive market.

The training was being conducted by Be The Leader (BTL) led by Lydia Ontiri at the Lutheran Church along Ngong Road. The training provided a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of small business management. Some of the topics covered included:

Generation of business idea

The participants learned effective techniques to generate innovative business ideas and identify gaps in the market. They gained insights into market research, customer analysis, and the importance of value propositions in developing a business concept.

Writing and presenting business plans for a grant request

Acquiring skills in crafting business plans to secure grants and funding involves learning to present business goals, strategies, and the impact of the business.

Financial management

Understanding the financial aspects of their business and learning risk management to safely safeguard their ventures

Marketing and pitching

They also gained insights into marketing segmentation, branding of their businesses, and customer acquisition techniques. Additionally, they have sharpened their pitching skills to effectively communicate their business ideas

An exhibition took place on the 19th of March at the NRCF offices. The exhibition provided an opportunity for the trainees to showcase their products.

Two Strathmore University judges assessed displays, accompanied by 2 student exhibitors showcasing their business products at the event.

The training has successfully equipped 10 alumni with skills in business management and we would like to express our gratitude to Be The Leader for providing training and guidance to these alumni.

May 8, 2023 By Sallyanne Atieno Leave a Comment

Handover Ceremony for Computer Donations From Safaricom Foundation

Our mission at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is to ensure that we transform the lives of our students. To improve education and resources, we applied for computer donations at Safaricom Foundation through the ‘Ndoto Zetu’ which translates to ‘Our Dreams’ initiative, we are aiming to acquire more computers for our Blockchain and Computer Labs.

The Safaricom Foundation through the “Ndoto Zetu” initiative partners with different organizations and communities and support them in transforming lives by providing them with the needed resources and opportunities. They have worked with communities across all 47 counties in Kenya to provide solutions on Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Water, Environmental Conservation, and Disaster Response, which are key sectors in empowering and providing relief for communities. We were honored when our application was considered and we received the computer donation.

On Thursday, the 3rd of May we had a handover ceremony for the computer donation. The event took place at NRCF offices, featuring Safaricom Foundation representatives, our program manager, our employment program officer, and some of our TechMates. The event aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the donation’s positive impact on our students’ education.

NRCF thanks the Safaricom Foundation for its donations and for joining us at the handover ceremony. The computer contribution will allow TechMates and high school grads participating in the coding bootcamp to efficiently study and enhance their talents, which will undoubtedly help them get better prospects in the future. We have equipped the Elimu Hub’s computer lab with extra computers for children, aiming to create a brighter future for our students through technology and collaboration.