Ngong Road Children's Foundation

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

2022 Graduates Life skills and SRH Programs Update

By Sallyanne Atieno

The high school graduates of 2022 were taken through life skills and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) trainings from the 20th of February to the 3rd. These are part of the programs developed by the organization to help the students to develop basic social skills as well as to promote their awareness in their personal and physical well-being.

We had 26 out of 28 students attend the programs, which represents a 94% turnout. The purpose of this training was to teach the students general and self-management skills, basic social skills and skills related to career development as they transition to higher learning institutions. 

During the 9 day training period, the students were taken through various topics which included but not limited to; effective communication and listening skills, stress and conflict management, emotional intelligence, CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation and personal branding. At the end of the life skills training, the students were each given a career booklet from which they were to research and prepare to attend a mock job interview for their respective careers. They were required to dress professionally and have their CVs and cover letter ready for the job interview that was being conducted by their Case Managers. This was a great way for them to familiarize themselves with how job interviews are conducted and test their skills in CV and cover letter writing.

The Sexual Reproductive Health training on the other hand was conducted by the NRCF Youth Peer Providers (YPPs) that have been trained and certified by Planned Parenthood. The training was conducted by two YPPs and two staff members were present to oversee the session. The objective of this training was to create more awareness on sexual health matters as well as to make them understand and learn how to deal with the physiology of their bodies.

Some of the topics that were covered include; use of contraceptives, safe sex and consent, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), early pregnancy, abortion, and Gender Based Violence (GBV). During both trainings, the students were provided with tea and snacks during the break in between the sessions. Proper hygiene and sanitation protocols were also strictly observed.

Our special gratitude goes to both the US and Kenya teams for the support granted so far. We would also like to thank the Rotary clubs of Kikuyu and Minneapolis for the grant in ensuring the training is conducted. Last but not least, we appreciate the students for taking the time to attend these valuable training sessions. 

Sally’s Achievement Story

My name is Sally, and I joined the program when I was in grade 1. Joining Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) meant transferring to a better place. The thought of going to a better school and having my school fees and other school needs fully catered for was so exciting. Once I joined the program, I was admitted to one of their focus schools, and my transformational journey began.

After completing my primary education, I joined a girls secondary school in Limuru. I joined the Music Festival group, which involved music and drama performances from different schools and colleges. I was able to become the chairperson of the group when I was in form three. One of my favorite subjects was computer studies, and I naturally developed an interest in pursuing a course related to computer science.

In 2022, I joined Kabete National Polytechnic to pursue a course in Information Communication Technology (ICT). I knew that after 3 years of study, I wanted to be a computer programmer. In June 2022, I came to know of the TechMates program offered by NRCF while I was home for my school holiday, and I knew that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn new skills while also implementing them. I then decided to join the program as a developer intern. I interned for 2 months, after which I had to go back to school.

I was due to go for attachment in January this year and I chose to be attached under the TechMates program. For three months now, I have been working on the optimization of the NRCF website as well as updating the website’s media. I have also been taking courses offered under the program, and I have gained skills in coding.

As part of my work, I also assist the computer lab teacher at NRCF to facilitate computer classes for the primary students. My attachment is coming to an end this month, and I am really excited to go back to school having gained new skills and working in a professional environment.

After my attachment ends this month, I will be interning as a developer for 2 months before I go back to school in June. Once I complete my studies next year, I hope to get an opportunity to work for NRCF and also acquire new clients as a freelancer. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my educational dreams, and I hope to graduate and inspire more girls to take on technical courses like I did.

Transform a life today.

Top KCSE Candidate 2022

My name is Boaz. My father heard of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation from his friends in the neighborhood. He applied, and I got accepted to the program. I attended one of the program’s focus schools before transferring to General Service Unit (GSU) Primary School. I was determined to achieve the best in my academics and to also hold leadership positions. Due to my good performance and discipline, I was elected a class representative and also a house captain for my dormitory. Additionally, I was also a subject representative for mathematics and Kiswahili in my class, and these two were my favorite subjects.

When I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), I performed above average, which enabled me to secure a spot at a boys High School, a national high school in Kisii County. While in high school, I still held various leadership positions. I was a spiritual leader for Seventh-day Adventists in my school, and I was also a secretary for the school’s debate club. I was working really hard while in school, as I have always been a believer that education is key to opening doors to opportunities and creating paths for higher learning. I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and scored a good grade.

I am the top NRCF high school candidate for the class of 2022! I aspire to join the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and pursue a course in Computer Science. I have developed an interest in coding and computer technology, hence my choice of course. One of my goals after joining the university is to be able to join the TechMates program and enhance my coding skills under the developer’s program.

I am grateful to my sponsor, Cathy, for taking me through my educational journey and to NRCF for the sponsorship opportunity. I have benefited from pieces of training such as computer training and life skills training offered by the organization, and I attribute my success to all of that.

Ann’s Success Story

When Ann was enrolled in the program, she attended one of our focus primary schools in January 2012. This opened a new chapter in her life. Her academic journey smoothed out, and she was able to complete grade eight and join secondary school for her secondary studies. She later pursued her career of choice, Beauty Therapy.

Before she graduated from school, her tutors saw huge potential in her and employed her in one of the famous SPAs in the Hill Park Hotel. Anne is enjoying her work. She has gained experience and has a dream of starting her own SPA in the near future. Special gratitude goes to her sponsor, Lauren Winter, who has supported her through her education. Anne is now supporting her aunt and grandmother and can also comfortably take care of herself. She is grateful for the opportunity she received from the organization to pursue her education and dreams.

Maisy Story

Maisy Njeri joined the NRCF program in 2014 when she was in Grade 5. She was raised by her mother having lost her father at a tender age. Later after her mother and her other siblings moved to the village due to the high cost of living, Maisy moved in with her grandmother who resides in one of the slums in Dagoretti so that she could continue getting education support from the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF).

Maisy worked hard in school through the support accorded to her by NRCF and finished her primary and secondary education. She later pursued a diploma in beauty therapy which has been her passion since her childhood and graduated in 2022.  

Maisy Njeri currently works in one of the best spas in Nairobi as a consultant beautician. She is able to comfortably support her mother and siblings. Her life and that of her family have been transformed through the support from her sponsor and the friends of Ngong Road in general. 

She is grateful to NRCF and more so her sponsor in the USA for believing in her and giving her the gift of education enabling her to better her life and that of her family. 

Transform a life today.