Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

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!

Jackline’s Transformational Journey

Jackline joined the program on March 17, 2006. She attended Lepic School for her primary education and completed the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). She then attended Kaewa Secondary School, where she earned her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Following high school, she pursued her passion for front office and management at the Nairobi School of Aviation.

After graduating, Jackline worked as a receptionist for Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and Karibu Loo Limited. She later joined Bimeda Animal Health Limited, where she currently works in customer service.

Jackline is very grateful to the program and her sponsor, Keith Kale. He has had a profound impact on her life, enabling her to support herself, her mother, and her siblings. Reflecting on her life in the slums, she acknowledges that she wouldn’t have been able to attend school without the program. She is extremely proud of her sponsor, who supported her throughout her academic journey. This support has left a lasting mark on her heart, a story she will share with her children and grandchildren.

As she grew, Jackline transformed from an introvert into a social, outgoing, and responsible young woman. She enjoys her work and is deeply thankful to the Ngongroad Children’s Foundation and Keith Kale for making a significant difference in her life.

Transform a child’s life today.

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.

Aspiring Pediatric Nurse

My name is Gift, and I am 14 years old. I joined Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in 2016. I live with my parents and five siblings. My hobbies are swimming and reading novels. My favorite novel is “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë. The novel revolves around two families and their intertwined lives. It explores complex emotions such as love, hate, and revenge.

Education

I look up to my mother who is currently leading a program called “True Care”. The program aims to assist teenage mothers who have left school by providing them with resources and support to achieve their goals and create a better future for themselves and their children. I am currently a student at St. Ann’s Girls High School. I enjoy playing badminton with my friends and sometimes engage in mathematics discussions during my free time. English is my favorite subject as it is a common language for people from diverse backgrounds.

My career goal is to become a pediatric nurse, inspired by Sister Elizabeth Kenny. She revolutionized polio treatment with exercise and heat therapy, ultimately helping children regain their mobility. I’m very passionate about working with children, which is why I’ve chosen this career path. In the future, I would love to visit IMG Worlds of Adventure and seek out thrilling experiences.

Transform a life. 

Valentine: unleashing creativity through learning

My name is Valentine, and I’m a 16-year-old student. I live with my grandmother and one sibling. I go to Gituamba Girls High School in Form Two, and I like Geography and English the most. I like to draw, sing, and dance in my free time. I draw inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci, who is considered one of the greatest painters in history and the founder of the High Renaissance. Some of his most famous works include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man.

Empowering Students

I also like to read books, and Jawbreaker is my favorite. Studying and reading are fun for me, and I do them as much as I can. I also play handball, which I enjoy a lot. I’m a kind, loving, and beautiful person, and I’m proud of that.

I am extremely grateful for having access to the Elimu-hub, as it has been playing a crucial role in shaping my computer skills. Moreover, during school holidays, I received support from the NRCF library, which enabled me to borrow books and expand my knowledge. Thanks to these programs, I have improved myself in various areas, and I appreciate the opportunities that came my way.

I want to visit North America one day because I’m interested in how cities grow and change, and I think it would be a great experience for me. I’m sure it would help me learn and grow as a person too.