Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

DirectEd Coding Programme Graduation

In a significant effort to bridge the tech gap and equip students with coding skills, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation in April 2023 to offer coding training for high school graduates. This partnership aimed to empower the graduates with coding proficiency, opening doors to a world of opportunities in the ever-evolving tech industry. The program has been taking place for the last few months and was divided into three progressively intensive parts. 

Our students were making use of the Elimu Hub for the use of computers to access learning materials and carry out personal learning. Throughout their learning journey, they undertook a comprehensive curriculum comprised of five modules. These modules encompassed a diverse range of coding concepts and principles, and in the final module, the students were expected to each develop individual projects where they were to create innovative apps designed to address real-life problems.

After the completion of the program, a graduation ceremony was held on the 16th of August at Kenyatta University to recognize the participant’s remarkable achievements. Among those present were students not only from NRCF but also from partner schools, including Kagumo Boys High School, Mang’u Boys High School, and Maryhill Girls High School. The event was graced by distinguished speakers who lent their wisdom. Izzat Begum, a member of the Board of Trustees at DirectEd, articulated the importance of fostering girls’ empowerment within the tech space. Shahaf Bar-Geffen, the CEO of COTI, was the keynote speaker, and he offered perspectives on navigating the tech landscape. Simon, the CEO of DirectEd, also offered a brief speech. Our Programs Director, Kelvin Thuku was also in attendance. The students were then given their certificates with different levels of recognition to mark their successful completion of the program and become the first cohort graduates of this great initiative from the DirectEd Development Foundation. 

Armed with skills in front-end and full-stack development, we have no doubt that our students will leave an unerasable mark in the tech space. We are entirely grateful to DirectEd Development Foundation for equipping our students with these skills. We would also love to show appreciation to the Cardano Community especially those that sponsored our students through this program. We are extremely proud of our graduates for working hard and attaining this recognition. 

Creating Pathways to Success with The Apprenticeship Programme

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) Apprenticeship Programme is a hands-on training program that pairs alumni with skilled tradespeople in their field of interest. The program’s goal is to provide our alumni with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their chosen careers.

Alumni from the Ngong Road Children's Foundation learning welding skills

The program was launched in May 2023 with an initial cohort of more than 10 alumni from various fields such as mechanical engineering, hairdressing, fashion and design, welding, and beauty.

The program takes a unique approach to apprenticeship. Experienced professionals coach alums as they take on real-world projects and learn through their implementation, rather than simply shadowing a tradesperson. This allows them to develop their skills and confidence in a practical setting.

Thanks to Ngong Road Children’s foundation, Participants in the NRCF Apprenticeship Programme have access to resources for the industry in addition to receiving practical training and mentoring. This covers the hardware, software, and other resources that participants can use to further develop their abilities.

alumni from the Ngong Road Children's Foundation learning hairdressing skills

One of our trainees shared their experience: “Since joining the apprenticeship program by the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth. In just one month, I’ve progressed from needing supervision to confidently working independently. This program has not only equipped me with the skills but also the belief that I can excel in my profession.”

The program has been a success in achieving its goals. Ninety percent of the participants have successfully completed their apprenticeships. The program is also projected to expand significantly in the coming months.

The NRCF Apprenticeship Programme has had a positive impact on participants. They have gained practical skills, boosted their self-confidence, and evolved into self-sufficient professionals. The program has also aligned with the foundation’s broader mission of expanding employment opportunities for alumni.The apprenticeship program stands as a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and dedication. We invite you to be a part of our vision as we continue to shape the futures of aspiring professionals through skill-building and empowerment.

Rolex’s Journey to Becoming a Neurosurgeon

Back in 2018, Rolex took his first step into the program. This would marked the beginning of his remarkable journey. He completed his Primary Education at St. George’s Primary School, where he excelled and managed to join Aquinas Boys High School. Rolex embraced this opportunity with open arms and continued to strive for excellence.

A photograph captures Rolex, a young student with an air of focus and eagerness, engrossed in a captivating novel.
Ngong road children’s foundation

Currently, Rolex is in Form Two. He not only excels in his studies but also takes on leadership roles. He heads the Biology Department, showcasing his passion for the subject, and also serves as the Christian Union (CU) chairman, demonstrating his ability to lead and inspire others.

Rolex’s ultimate goal is to become a neurosurgeon. He has set his sights on Nairobi University as his school of choice. He understands that achieving this dream requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Rolex is determined to overcome any obstacles that come his way and is willing to put in the effort required to succeed.

Through the Life Skill Programme offered by the Ngong Road Children Foundation, Rolex has gained valuable leadership skills and the courage to make the right decisions. This program has provided him with the support and guidance he needs to navigate his educational journey and pursue his dreams.

Rolex’s story is an inspiration for us all. He is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, hard work, and the right support system. Rolex’s journey reminds us of the power of education and the impact it can have on shaping a bright future. If you are inspired by Rolex’s story, you can help other children like him achieve their dreams by donating to the Ngongroad Children Foundation or sponsoring a student. Your donation will help provide children with the education, skills, and support they need to transform their lives.

 Fun and Fitness At Our Exciting Olympics Day

Last Saturday, our Saturday program hosted an exciting Olympics Day celebration. Children from Ngong Road children’s foundation came together to enjoy athletic competition and make lasting memories.The day started with a healthy meal to give the kids energy for the activities ahead. Then, they were divided into two teams to compete in a series of fun and challenging events.

The kids are running as fast as they can in a relay race. They are all smiling and cheering for each other. The atmosphere is very exciting and everyone is having a great time.

The highlight of the day was the steeplechase relay races. The kids showed off their agility and determination in the 100-meter race, and the excitement grew as the distances got longer. The 200-meter race pushed the participants to go the extra mile, both physically and mentally. And the 400-meter race was a true test of endurance and teamwork. Amidst the exciting races, we added a fun twist with the “tunnel game.” This game brought surprise and helped the kids learn to trust and work together. Their laughter filled the air as they went through the tunnels, finding happiness in teamwork to tackle the challenges.

The kids are laughing and having a great time as they play the tunnel game. They are working together to get through the tunnels, and they are all helping each other out. It is a very cooperative and social game, and the kids are clearly enjoying each other's company.

After the races, the kids had a chance to relax and play some games. They played cornhole, which requires precision and strategic thinking. They laughed and high-fived each other as they showed off their skills.The day ended with a snack and a sense of accomplishment. The kids had made new friends, pushed themselves to their limits, and had a lot of fun.Olympics Day was a success because it brought together kids from different schools and gave them a chance to compete and have fun. It also showed the power of teamwork and friendship. The kids will remember this day for years to come.

We are especially grateful to our donors for providing the funding that made this event possible. Your generosity allows us to provide the kids with healthy meals, equipment, and prizes. We could not have done it without you! We would also like to thank our volunteers for their time and dedication. Your hard work made Olympics Day a reality. You helped to set up and tear down, run the events, and cheer on the kids. We appreciate your support more than you know! We are always looking for volunteers and donations to support our Saturday program. If you would like to get involved, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected]

George’s Journey in the Field of Engineering

My name is George, and my life took a turn for the better when I became a part of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. I grew up in a loving home. But even though life was tough, I never gave up on my dreams. I went to one of Ngong Road Children’s targeted elementary schools. I discovered a friendly atmosphere that fostered my academic and athletic endeavors. My passion for football and rugby helped shape my character by teaching me collaboration, discipline, and tenacity.

As I progressed in my education, my passion for electrical engineering emerged. I was determined to turn my dreams into reality, and I enrolled at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to pursue my passion. I had the dedication and eagerness to learn, and I therefore put myself out there to do extra learning even on my own.

The introduction of the apprenticeship program by Ngong Road Children’s Foundation to support on-the-job training was a huge game changer, and it impacted me positively. Recognizing my determination and commitment, the program provided me with opportunities to gain real-life experience in electrical engineering. By nurturing my passion for electrical engineering, the program made it possible for me to access hands-on training from those in the same field.

Today, I am on the path to achieving my dream of owning my own engineering firm. The apprenticeship program not only sharpened my technical skills but also instilled in me the values of integrity and hard work. I am grateful to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation for guiding me through the apprenticeship program and to my sponsor for ensuring that I get a quality education through financial assistance.

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