My name is Sally and I joined the program in 2009 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, Jagiet Academy and my transformational journey began.

After completing my primary education, I joined Mirithu Girls Secondary School in 2017. The school is located in Limuru County and I loved that because I had never schooled outside of Nairobi County. I immediately 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 diploma 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 3 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.

My name is Boaz and I am 18 years old. I grew up in the Ngando area together with my father, my stepmother, and 4 siblings. Before joining the program, I was schooling at Precious Talents School. I recall being sent home countless times due to lack of school fees and my father had to constantly go and ask the head of school to allow me back, especially during the times when exams were around the corner. My parents were both casual laborers and so it was difficult for them to comfortably provide for me and my siblings. 

Luckily, my father heard of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation from his friends in the neighborhood. Ngando area, the place we used to live in is where most of the students in the program are from and the organization had earned a good reputation among the residents in that area. He applied and I got accepted to the program. I joined the program in July 2012 while in grade 2 and I joined Nelson Mandela which is one of the program’s focus schools. I schooled there up until 2015 and I was transferred to General Service Unit (GSU) Primary School while in grade 5. 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 scored 391 marks out of a possible 500 which enabled me to secure a spot at Nyambaria 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 in education being key in opening doors to opportunities and creating paths for higher learning. I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and when the results were released on the 23rd of January 2023, I had scored an A-(minus) from a possible A(plain)!

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 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 benefitted 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.