Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

The Book Club

Igniting a Love for Reading and Cultivating Young Minds!

Join us at Ngongroad Children’s Foundation’s Saturday Programme as we embark on an exciting journey of discovery through books and imagination. Our newly launched Elimu Hub is a haven for young book lovers, featuring a computer lab, a dynamic library filled with captivating stories, and a creative space for art and design.

The Book Club aims to enhance a reading culture and inspire a new generation of passionate readers. Every Saturday, our sponsored children come together to enjoy a day filled with fun, engagement, and education. By utilizing interactive techniques like reading aloud and reading around, we encourage active participation and foster a love for literature.

Through African literature that resonates with their backgrounds, we promote cultural awareness and celebrate diverse voices. We focus on nurturing creativity, improving English skills, and cultivating a lifelong passion for reading. 

Join us in empowering young minds and shaping a brighter future through the power of books. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable children. Donate books and be part of their incredible journey!

Freelance and Tax Compliance Training

On the 8th of June, a highly valuable training session on freelance and tax compliance was organized for the TechMates currently under the TechMates program and other beneficiaries involved in the freelancing world. This training aimed to equip the participants, who are predominantly freelancers for Ngong Road and other external clients like Lidonation, Upwork, and other freelancing platforms, with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their work portfolio and ensure tax compliance. The session was carried out by Lydia Ontiri, a tax expert from Be The Leader, and covered topics essential for successful freelancing in the modern market.

One of the primary objectives of the training was to guide the TechMates and freelancers on how to manage and attract more clients, thereby strengthening their work portfolios. Lydia shared insights, strategies, and best practices to effectively market their skills. This included tips on networking, online platforms, and showcasing their previous work. By focusing on these aspects, the TechMates gained valuable knowledge on how to differentiate themselves in a competitive freelance landscape. 

In order to understand the importance of clear and well-defined contracts in freelance work, the training included contract creation. They were provided with valuable guidance on how to draft contracts that protect both parties’ interests and establish expectations regarding project deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and intellectual property rights.

To ensure they practice their civic duty, the training also included comprehensive guidance on tax compliance and filing returns. Lydia walked the TechMates through the process of filing returns through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) portal, providing a step-by-step demonstration. This training segment aimed to demystify the tax filing process and equip participants with the knowledge necessary to navigate their tax obligations confidently. 

This training played a crucial role in empowering the TechMates to comfortably navigate through the freelance world.

Saturday Programme Update

The Saturday program, a child development initiative, has been making a significant impact on the lives of our students by providing a platform for engaging and fun learning experiences. Through a range of activities facilitated by dedicated staff, students have been able to explore their interests, enhance their skills, and build lasting friendships among themselves. In the past months since the beginning of the year, we have also been privileged to have visitors, sponsors, and donors join us during the Saturday program.

One notable visit to the Saturday program was by Amy, the Chief Operating Officer of Friends of Ngong Road. During her visit to Nairobi, Kenya she visited the program and joined the students in various activities. Her presence brought a sense of excitement and encouragement to the students as she conveyed warm greetings from sponsors. This personal interaction between Amy and the students fostered a sense of connection, serving as a reminder for the students that they are loved and supported by their sponsors.

We also had Robin, a sponsor, and brother to Andy, who is a board member and the Chief Technical Officer at Friends of Ngong Road visit the program. He did not only get the chance to interact with his sponsored student but he also met his friends and joined the rest of the students in participating in fun activities.

Another significant contribution to the Saturday program came in the form of donations from the Waterfront Mall in Karen, Nairobi. They donated books, clothes, and shoes for the students. The book donations were added to the collection of books in the library and the clothes and shoes were given to the students. These donations will not only provide valuable educational resources but also help improve the students’ well-being. 

The Saturday Programme is a haven of hope and transformation. It nurtures the students, fosters their growth, and brings a sense of belonging and community and we want to inspire our students to support each other.

Donate towards the Saturday program.

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.