Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

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.

Ngong Road Children's Foundation success story

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.

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!

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.