Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

Transformative Story of Fammy

My name is Fammy. I learned about the program from a family acquaintance.

I informed my aunt, who made an application, and after passing the interview, I was admitted into the program. I got to join one of the program’s focus schools, where I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

I later joined a national-level girls’ high school in Narok County. I studied there for four years, after which I sat for my national examinations. After attaining commendable grades, I felt a sense of joy and accomplishment, knowing that I was eligible to pursue my chosen career at any university of my choice. Prior to starting my university career, I completed a certificate course in Computer packages that is offered by NRCF. In September 2019, I proceeded to join Kabarak University in Nakuru County to take a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Mass Communication. I saw the university as a place of growth and learning, providing me with valuable opportunities.

During my 3rd year of University, I did my attachment at a reputable news agency, where I got to gain a lot of experience. This experience allowed me to interact with different individuals, gain valuable skills, and develop my professional portfolio. I completed my 4-year course in April, and I am awaiting graduation, which will take place in December. I recently joined the TechMates program offered by NRCF, and I am taking the Digital Marketing path to top up the skills I have gained at school so as to increase my employability chances.

I am grateful to the NRCF program for the support it has given me, especially in my studies. I have been able to benefit from quality education, and now that I am about to graduate, I am honored to have been part of this program. Thank you for helping me transform my life. 

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Sexual Reproductive Health Training Update

While our primary purpose is to provide education, we know that nutrition, good health, and a safe living environment are essential to learning.  To maximize student success, we support the health and well-being of our students by providing regular meals and medical care and support and training programs for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Drug Awareness and Abuse, and Mental Health. 

During the just-concluded school break, we had our high school students taken through Sexual Reproductive Health training at the NRCF offices. The training started on the 25th to the 28th of April at the NRCF offices. This training aimed to equip the students with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive well-being and it was being facilitated by Youth Peer Providers (YPP) who have undergone training by Parenthood Global. 

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Mental health: Understanding the impact of mental well-being on overall and where and when to seek support when needed
  •  Drug and substance abuse: Recognizing the risks associated with substance abuse and developing skills to resist peer pressure
  • Teenage pregnancy: Exploring the consequences of early pregnancy and fostering awareness about responsible sexual behavior
  • Abortion: Informing students about the legal aspects, health risks, and available support systems surrounding abortion, while emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions
  • STIs: Educating on prevention methods, testing, treatment, and reducing stigma
  • Menstrual hygiene: Understanding and destigmatization of menstruation, while providing practical guidance on menstrual hygiene management
  • Contraceptives: Introducing various contraceptive methods, their effectiveness and ensuring the students understand their rights and choices regarding contraception
  • Consent: Discussing the significance of consent in relationships, emphasizing mutual respect, and promoting healthy communication

The SRH training proved to be highly beneficial as relevant topics were addressed and there was provision of a safe space for discussions. Furthermore, the interactions with the Youth Peer Providers allowed the students to receive information from relatable role models who understood their perspectives and concerns. This peer-to-peer approach promoted an open and non-judgemental environment, encouraging the students to actively participate.

Through this initiative, we continue to contribute to the holistic development and well-being of the students and we are more motivated to support such initiatives.  

Alumni Small Business Training

In recognition of the growing importance of small businesses in the Kenyan economy, we took the initiative to provide a comprehensive training program for our alumni who either have existing small businesses or are planning to venture into the business industry. This training program aims to equip the alumni with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of the business world successfully. The training, conducted over two months, has covered a range of topics essential for small business owners to thrive in a competitive market.

The training was being conducted by Be The Leader (BTL) led by Lydia Ontiri at the Lutheran Church along Ngong Road. The training provided a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of small business management. Some of the topics covered included:

  • Generation of business idea

The participants learned effective techniques to generate innovative business ideas and identify gaps in the market. They gained insights into market research, customer analysis, and the importance of value propositions in developing a business concept.

  • Writing and presenting business plans for a grant request

They have acquired skills in crafting business plans to secure grants and funding. They have learned to present their business goals, strategies, and the impact of their business

  • Financial management

Understanding the financial aspects of their business and learning risk management to safely safeguard their ventures

  • Marketing and pitching

They also gained insights into marketing segmentation, branding of their businesses, and customer acquisition techniques. Additionally, they have sharpened their pitching skills to effectively communicate their business ideas

An exhibition took place on the 19th of March at the NRCF offices. The exhibition provided an opportunity for the trainees to showcase their products. Two judges from Strathmore University evaluated the exhibits and we also had about 2 students from Strathmore coming to also exhibit their business products. 

The training has successfully equipped 10 alumni with skills in business management and we would like to express our gratitude to Be The Leader for providing training and guidance to these alumni. 

The Inspiring Story of Hillary

I was born in Nairobi. One day, my mother and I decided to explore the neighborhood. That’s when she encountered a group of friends playing at a school compound, and I decided to join them. I later learned that this was where the Saturday program for Ngong Road Children’s Foundation was being held at that time. I kept coming back until I was lucky enough to be selected for an interview. I passed the interview and joined the program in  2012.

Since then, I have achieved a lot academically and in other areas. I have received awards for good academic performances, and I have also had the honor of serving as a leader during the camps held between 2017 and 2019. I did well in my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), and I joined a boys high school in Dagoretti South Constituency. The Covid-19 pandemic, delayed my high school graduation by a year.

Upon high school graduation, I secured a slot at Moi University to pursue a bachelor’s degree course in Social Work. I have a genuine passion for creating the best possible conditions for people’s success, and that is why I chose this particular course. Before joining Moi University, I was trained as a Youth Peer Provider (YPP) by the program, and I have since been facilitating Sexual Reproductive Health talks amongst my peers and younger students in the program. I take pride in knowing that I am directly contributing to raising awareness, especially among teenagers. I am currently the chairperson of the YPP group.

I am also currently on an internship at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation under the Secondary Department. I am fulfilled because I am not only putting into practice what I am learning in school, but it is also a way for me to give back to the NRCF community. I aspire to complete my degree and hopefully take a master’s, as I also want to become a lecturer. I am grateful to the NRCF program for impacting my life positively through the provision of quality education.

Transform a life.

  

Celebrating Mother’s Day

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the amazing mothers who are part of the NRCF and Friends of Ngong Road family. 

A supportive parent/guardian is one of the requirements for a student to be enrolled in the program. Moms have done an excellent job of ensuring that they are involved in their children’s lives by visiting their learning institutions to monitor their educational progress and attend meetings. The majority of attendance at our Annual General Meetings are female parents/guardians interested in the success of their children as well as the program updates. Mothers are consequently at the forefront of ensuring that they are active in their children’s lives, which raises the likelihood of success for that children. 

We also want to thank all the mothers who have generously supported the NRCF program either through direct sponsorship of a child or donations. Your contributions have made it possible for us to provide education, healthcare, and basic needs to children in need. Your support is transforming lives and giving children a chance at a better future. To the mothers in the USA who have supported our mission, we say thank you. Your support has made a significant impact on the lives of children in Kenya. You are helping to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.

On this Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the invaluable role that mothers play in the lives of their children and in our communities. To all the mothers in the NRCF program, all the mother donors, and all the NRCF and FoNR staff who are mothers, we thank you for your unwavering commitment and wish you a happy Mother’s Day.

We invite you to honor a special mother in your life by donating or sponsoring a student.