Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

Senior Camp 2023: Nurturing Resilience and Grit

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation organized a transformative Senior Camp from November 13th to November 17th, 2023, at the scenic Naivasha West Beach camp in Kongoni, Nakuru County. The camp aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022 KCPE graduates as they transitioned to Form One and acknowledge the accomplishments of the Form Three students of 2023. Under the overarching theme of “Developing Resilience and Grit,” the camp set out to instill passion and perseverance in the face of challenges to empower the students for success in high school.

A total of 43 campers enthusiastically participated, joined by a dedicated team of 12 staff members. To facilitate organization, the campers were divided into four teams, each comprising 10-11 members, each team distinguished by vibrant T-shirt colors. The spirited competition throughout the camp culminated in the yellow team being crowned as the victorious champions of the 2023 camp competitions.

The camp was a holistic experience, offering a diverse range of activities to enrich the participants physically, mentally, and emotionally:

Arts and Crafts: The students engaged in creativity through arts and crafts, where they learned to fashion friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity served a dual purpose of nurturing artistic expression and imparting entrepreneurial skills by demonstrating how readily available resources could be transformed into marketable items.

GRIT Training: Teams delved into the concept of GRIT, understanding the skills necessary to cultivate perseverance, particularly in the challenging environment of high school. This training equipped students with tools to navigate obstacles, ranging from academic pressures to peer influence.

Leadership and Motivation: Students were introduced to the servant leadership model, exploring the characteristics of effective leaders. The camp emphasized that leadership is a skill that can be acquired, dispelling the notion that one must be born a leader.

Field Trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa: A field trip to Hells Gate and Geothermal Spa provided a unique learning experience, allowing students to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley and witness power generation from hot springs by KenGen. This excursion broadened their understanding of the environment and sustainable energy practices.

Crazy Olympics Sports: The camp incorporated fun and laughter with Crazy Olympics sports, including balloon relays and egg spoon relays, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills in a lighthearted atmosphere.

Nine Series Obstacle Race: The pinnacle of physical and mental challenges came in the form of a Nine Series Obstacle Race. Students engaged in a series of tasks designed to test their problem-solving skills, promoting resilience and adaptability.

The Senior Camp of 2023 was an immersive experience that not only celebrated achievements but also equipped students with essential life skills. Through a carefully curated mix of activities, the camp fostered creativity, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for the participants as they embarked on their high school journey. 

An A-Student, Future Neurosurgeon, and Courageous Individual

Nicole

Nicole is a bright young girl living with both her parents and a sister. She spends her free time kneading, reading, and watching movies. Her favorite novel is The Doc Diaries, and her favorite movie is Wednesday. Nicole’s mother is her role model, and in 2020, she joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, where she continues to make a positive impact.

Courageous Neurosurgeon

Recently, Nicole sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and scored an impressive A- (386 Marks). Her favorite subject is Mathematics, which she enjoys because it challenges her to think critically. She values her health and enjoys playing sports like football and athletics with her friends during her free time.

As a child, Nicole faced bullying but she finally decided to stand up for herself. She found the courage to overcome the challenge, and today, she is a confident and courageous individual. Nicole aspires to become a neurosurgeon and run her hospital. Her main aim is to save many people’s lives and overcome various challenges that come with the profession. With her tactical skills, she believes she can make a positive impact on society.

Lastly, Nicole dreams of visiting the United States of America someday. With her determination, intelligence, and courage, there is no doubt that she will achieve her dream.

Transform a life

Small Business Training Programme

During our 2022 alumni survey, a significant proportion of our graduates reported an interest in gaining business skills to assist them in starting their own full-time business or a side hustle business in addition to their primary sources of income. We started a small business management training program earlier this year to train our graduates how to plan, establish, comply with local authorities, and run a profitable business. 

The training was divided into two phases: The introduction phase and the main training phase. 34 alumni attended the introduction phase before going through an assessment to determine those who proceeded to the next phase. The outcome was as follows:

  • 34 alumni trained in the introduction phase (Introduction to Small Business and Taxation)
  • 20 proceeded to phase two (10 weeks of training)
  • 10 completed both trainings and graduated with a certificate and a toolkit to start or grow their business. 

The 10-week training took place at our Elimu Hub campus and was facilitated by Be The Leader (BTL), an employability and job preparedness training organization founded by a Kenyan youth named Cavin Apondo, who has also partnered with American Corner Moi to provide training on employability, career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics to the youth.

The Small Business Management training program provided the alumni with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, strategies, and practices. They learned about the importance of financial management, business ideas, and market research. The program also taught them how to create a comprehensive business plan, identify opportunities for innovation, and evaluate the feasibility of their business ideas. Financial management concepts were also covered, including revenue, costs, profit, and cash flow. They were introduced to different funding options and legal structures for startups, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, and incorporation. Risk management was also covered, identifying potential threats and addressing them. The training program had a significant impact on the trainees, enhancing their knowledge and skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and enabling them to develop and refine business ideas. The program also fostered confidence and motivation in the trainees, empowering them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

The graduation ceremony marked the end of the training program. They received a toolkit essential for their respective businesses and certificates, marking the beginning of a new chapter for their businesses.

Young Talent with Big Dreams

Hey! I’m Taylor, a 13-year-old with big dreams. I love drawing, football, and swimming, and my favorite meal is ugali and chicken. I live happily with my parents and two siblings. When I grow up, I want to be a soldier, artist, and professional footballer. Being a soldier is cool because I get to help people and show how much I love my country. Art is my way of expressing myself, and football? Well, that just makes me super happy!

I’ve been part of Ngong Road Children Foundation since 2021 and currently attend one of their focus primary schools in grade five. My favorite school subjects are Maths, CRE, and physical education. During my free time, I enjoy reading and playing football.

Saturday programs are the highlight of my week. I meet peers and mentors, play football, solve puzzles, and draw. It’s a day filled with fun and learning.

During school holidays, you can catch me at Elimu Hub, leveling up my computer skills, finding cool ideas for my drawings, and picking up new tricks. Thanks to Ngong Road Children’s Foundation for granting me all these awesome opportunities. I’m learning a bunch, and I’m really thankful for that! Transform a life. 

Fun, Talent, and Celebration at Ngong Road Children Foundation

Last Saturday at Ngong Road Children Foundation was nothing short of spectacular! The day kicked off with an energy-packed warm-up session of singing and dancing that left our souls buzzing. But that was just the beginning!

During the short break, high schoolers rejoined us for the end-of-term holiday, creating a vibrant atmosphere of mingling and interaction. Lunch was a hearty affair, with children enjoying good food and connecting with their mates. The day gained even more significance as we celebrated the birthday of one of our esteemed alumni, Elizabeth.

What made the day truly special was the initiation of rehearsals for our upcoming Annual General Meeting presentations. The music and drama club took center stage, working on a captivating choral piece that focused on discipline. With a new, professional, and kind trainer leading the way, the club formed a fantastic team, setting the tone for an exciting AGM.

Our Taekwondo team showcased their defensive skills with high-flying kicks, all delivered with beaming smiles and infectious joy. The dancing team stole the show, displaying neck breaking and awe-inspiring moves during a test rehearsal to determine the best performers for the AGM.

The Art Club was in full swing, boasting talented and sharp artists among its members. They diligently prepared their best works for upcoming presentations, not forgetting the Financial Literature Club, emphasizing the vital role of financial literacy in life.

As the day unfolded, club presentations captivated the audience. We were thrilled to celebrate the birthday of Elizabeth, a mentor and a lawyer, as we cut the cake and indulged in snacks. It was a moment filled with joy and excitement, a fitting end to a day that showcased the incredible talents and achievements of our children at Ngong Road Children Foundation.

Ngong Road Children Foundation continues to be a place where dreams take flight, skills are honed, and celebrations are shared. Here’s to more Saturdays filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of a brighter future for every child we support.