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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Sheila’s story; Coding, football, and future aspirations

My name is Sheila, and I am 18 years old. Growing up, my life was very challenging. There were few opportunities available to me, and the future seemed unclear and scary. Everything changed when I got the chance to join the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. The foundation did more than just provide me with a safe place to go to school; it gave me hope and a real chance to succeed. They encouraged me to dream big and believe in a better future.

Ngong Road Children's Foundation success story

At the Elimu Hub, I discovered a love for coding—a new world of logic and creativity. I also love playing football with the other kids. Football isn’t just a game; it lets me forget my worries and teaches me about teamwork and perseverance. I never thought I would become a class monitor or a club representative. However, through the Life skills training by Ngong Road Children’s Foundation gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and believe in myself.

I’m currently making my way to university, facing the choice between pursuing a degree in Economics or Computer Science. Both paths seem to hold promising prospects. I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that have come my way. Looking ahead in ten years, I envision myself achieving financial stability, providing support for my family, and actively contributing to the betterment of the community.

Discover Sheila inspiring journey with Ngong Road Children's Foundation, from overcoming challenges to finding passion in coding and football

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has played a crucial role in shaping my life. It’s not just about the education they provide; it’s the strong foundation they’ve given me to pursue my dreams. When I struggled to believe in myself, they were there, unwavering in their support and belief in my potential. Now, equipped with their guidance and encouragement, I feel empowered to fearlessly tackle the challenges that come my way. This profound transformation in my life is all thanks to the unwavering support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation.

Transform a life.

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Kyalo, a successful entrepreneur

Kyalo’s journey began in 2007 when he joined the NRCF program, which supported him through both primary and high school education. Following his secondary education, he enrolled at NIBS College to pursue a Diploma in ICT. However, he decided to leave the program after completing the second module. Determined to advance his skills, he subsequently enrolled at Shalom IT Center, where he successfully completed the CompTIA A+ certification in June 2018.

Kyalo then started his professional career as a volunteer at the NRCF office, where he took on dual roles as an office messenger and a computer lab assistant. His responsibilities included monitoring and assisting post-secondary students during extended computer lab hours, helping students during school holidays with tasks such as writing emails to sponsors, acting as an office messenger, and handling scanning and photocopying duties. Concurrently, he worked as a Karibu Loo Associate.

In 2016, he transitioned to a formal employment contract with NRCF as a Computer Lab Assistant, a position he held until 2022. During this time, he provided individual support to children who exhibited either high potential or required additional help in their development. He also performed office messenger duties, entered data into Salesforce, and maintained the computer lab. His technical responsibilities included updating and maintaining lab equipment, designing organizational advertisement materials, managing social media, and providing technical support and training to staff, among other roles.

In 2023, Kyalo decided to start his own business which led him to establish Chalo J Design and Printing, a sole proprietorship aimed at delivering affordable, high-quality printing and design services to businesses and individuals. He has successfully collaborated with several organizations, including Don Bosco Youth Educational Services in Karen, Glad Kids Foundation in Ngando, Rising Duma FC, Kick Like Kenya, and Trinity Fitness Center. Alongside his design business, Kyalo also operates a children’s clothing business, managed by his spouse. The entrepreneurial skills and initial resources to start his businesses were acquired through the entrepreneurship program offered by NRCF, which provided him with essential skills and a starter pack to launch his ventures.

We are proud to see Kyalo successfully running his business from the skills he acquired from the employment programs that we facilitate and we wish him all the best in his endeavors. Join us in transforming a child’s life today.

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Top High School Graduates Head to University

Clare and Michael are two exceptional students from this year’s graduating class. Clare joined Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in 2012, while Michael joined in 2014. Both have excelled in their exams and have secured spots at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology [JKUAT], one of Kenya’s prestigious universities. Clare is a dedicated student with a passion for research and was the top female student in the program. She enjoys spending time with friends who share her interests. Inspired by Refa, a  professional in Human Resource Management, she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the same field to create a conducive work environment and help individuals reach their full potential. Apart from academics, Clare finds comfort in swimming and traveling, and she would like to one day travel to Paris.

On the other hand, Michael was the top male student. He loves watching documentaries and programming during his free time. A natural leader, he was the school captain and always at the top of his class. His role model is Simon, the managing director at DirectEd, who helps young people through coding. Michael was among the chosen few who proceeded to DirectEd’s main coding boot camp, and he says this would be a great boost in the course he will take, which is a degree in Computer Science. Michael also enjoys dancing, which brings him joy and relaxation.

Both Clare and Michael embody the spirit of well-rounded individuals. Their dedication to academics, along with their diverse interests and extracurricular activities, paints a bright picture for their futures. As they embark on their university journeys, their stories serve as an inspiration for others to pursue both academic excellence and their passions. Remember, success isn’t just about grades, but about finding your purpose and using your talents to make a difference.

Transform a life.

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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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Lydia’s educational journey to accountancy

Lydia joined the program in October 2009. She attended Jagiet Academy, where she completed her primary education and earned her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Demonstrating exceptional dedication, Lydia further sat for and passed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and subsequently enrolled at Kenyatta University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. 

After graduation, Lydia gained diverse work experience, serving in the School of Business at KCA University as a customer care representative at Zuku Limited and a sales associate at Platinum Credit Limited. Currently, she is employed as an accountant at Geokarma Construction Limited while furthering her accounting studies at KCA University.

Lydia expresses profound gratitude to the organization and her late sponsor. Her life has been transformed, allowing her to support herself, her mother, and her brother. She cherishes the unwavering support from her sponsor, who she fondly remembers as a special mother figure, and who has played an important role in shaping her into the great woman she is today. 

Beyond academics, Lydia benefited greatly from the program’s offerings, including life skills workshops, computer classes, and memorable summer camps. She has grown into a focused, principled, and organized young woman, content with her current life and eager for further growth. She extends her heartfelt wishes for the continued success of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in supporting vulnerable students like her. Here is Lydia’s story captured in a video: Meet Lydia, a passionate accountant turning financial expertise into success!

Transform a child’s life today.