Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

Raymond, the Certified Full-Stack Developer

Raymond receiving his certificate at the graduation ceremony

My name is Raymond and I embarked on my transformational journey when I joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) in 2014. Back then, I was a student in grade 4 and I was really happy to become a part of NRCF and start my empowering journey in education. I joined Jagiet Academy where I completed my primary education in 2018. After primary school, I transitioned to Makwa Boys High School in Thika. This is where my passion for Computer Science began.

This newfound passion made me reconsider my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. Upon completion of my high school studies in 2022, I was eager to pursue a career in Software Engineering. In January 2023, I started my computer package training offered by Belmont College through the program. In April, NRCF got into a partnership with DirectEd Development Foundation where we, the high school graduates, would be trained in coding and developer skills. I was excited about this partnership as I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to pursue. 

Through my time learning from DirectEd tutors, I underwent a series of modules, each contributing to my growth. However, it was the final module that truly put my skills to the test. The task was to create an individual app project that could be used to solve real-world problems. My project was termed the “Terminal” and it was a messaging app aimed to provide a platform for seamless communication. Despite the extensive knowledge I had gained, I still needed to bridge some gaps. In order to bridge these gaps, I embarked on another course to learn about socket.io, a technology that facilitates real-time and bidirectional communication between web clients. 

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned to my project to enhance it. The results were impressive as the “Terminal” stood out as one of the best projects in the class, receiving a score of 60 out of 75. After all the learning, I finally secured merit in Full-Stack Development. During the graduation ceremony held on the 16th of August for the 1st cohort of graduates from the DirectEd coding program, I was honored to have received my certificate. 

I am grateful for the support from NRCF and for the learning at DirectEd that has propelled me towards my goal. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue building my skills, exploring new avenues in software development, and contributing to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Transform a life today.

A Day of Learning, Growth, and Inspiration

Last Saturday was a special day at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. We welcomed back our high school students who were on holiday, and the presence of our alumni made the day even more special. Mr. Paul Dalizu, one of our board members, also joined us and shared his wisdom with us.

Energetic students joyfully singing our program anthem
Ngong road children’s foundation

The day started with our program anthem, which made us feel refreshed and united. Mr. Paul Dalizu took center stage, captivating everyone with his session on the essence of values, using money as a prime example. His words were profound: much like money’s worth remains undiminished despite any blemishes, our inherent values define us beyond any external imperfections.

Artist proudly displaying her creation.
Ngong road children’s foundation

As midday approached, the students gathered for a nourishing lunch, reenergizing both body and spirit for the pinnacle of the day’s events. Our young primary students were prepared to relive the excitement of our recent All Clubs Day. The day aimed to provide students with distinctive educational experiences while fostering camaraderie among different club members.

The Taekwondo Club instilled physical strength, discipline, and self-defense skills in its members, while the Financial Literacy Club imparted valuable lessons on money management and budgeting. The Book Club encouraged a love for reading and improved reading comprehension, and the Art Club allowed students to express themselves through watercolor painting, nurturing their creativity. 

Dance club members showcasing dynamic moves.
Ngong road children’s foundation

The day wasn’t over for our high school students, as they engaged with Mr. Paul in enlightening sessions about planning, basic skills, focus, and sexual reproductive health from our volunteer sexual reproductive health trainers. The day ended with snacks and a feeling of satisfaction.

Your contributions empower us to orchestrate such impactful events, transforming the lives of these budding minds. You can continue to be a part of our journey in various ways, ensuring our ability to touch even more lives by volunteering, donating or sponsoring a child.

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.