Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

NRCF Career Workshop

The NRCF Career Workshop, held on November 5th, 6th, and 11th, 2024, was a dynamic and impactful event that brought together students, speakers, and facilitators to explore career opportunities and life skills. The workshop’s success was attributed to excellent support from the office and the enthusiastic participation of students across all forms.

Students were introduced to strategies for discovering their passions and potential career paths. Emphasis was placed on innovation, situational awareness, and understanding personality traits through prior personality tests. Many students expressed interest in multiple careers, showing less focus on traditional professions like law, health, education, engineering, and IT.

The workshop featured notable speakers who shared valuable insights and personal experiences:

  • Joel Powon (ABSA SME Regional Manager) stressed the importance of work ethics and networking.
  • Ann Maina (Agile Coach, Safaricom) advocated for an agile approach to career planning and provided an analogy to help students identify opportunities and manage risks.
  • Ian King (Entrepreneur) shared his personal journey and donated four impactful books which had a profound impact on his career trajectory and his relationship with money.
  • Winfred Nyokabi (NOMADIT Events) highlighted the growing significance of remote work, resilience, and IT skills.
  • Dr. Sandra Sebitosi-van Jaarsveld (Entrepreneur, Pretoria) shared strategies for balancing work and life while navigating challenges in a foreign country.
  • Dr. Diana Abuodha (Medical Services Manager, Avenue Healthcare) discussed healthcare opportunities and her academic improvement journey through better study habits.
  • Grace Kamau (HR Business Partner, Save the Children) encouraged adaptability and openness to change in the evolving workforce.
  • Epher Wanambisi (Nurse, Barnes Jewish Hospital) shared experiences in nursing and emphasized the diverse opportunities within the field.
  • Ann Njeri spoke about the value of character, resilience, and meaningful friendships in achieving one’s dreams.
  • Dr. Josephine Muiru (Pharmaceutical Industry) detailed her career transition from clinical practice to pharmaceuticals, outlining the risks and rewards.
  • John Smith (Aviation Engineer) addressed substance abuse challenges in fast-paced careers, particularly in the aviation industry.
  • Nkatha Omondi (Lawyer) provided an overview of various legal career paths and opportunities.

The students explored concepts like Ikigai, which encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and live a life filled with purpose and joy, career duality, and the distinctions between jobs, careers, and callings. They also engaged in activities and discussions tailored to their age and academic levels, enhancing their understanding of career planning and personal growth. 

This enriching experience left participants motivated, equipped with actionable insights, and prepared to navigate their future career journeys. We strive to continue having initiatives that will transform the live of our students.

Volunteer with NGOs in Kenya to launch your career

NGOs in Kenya, such as the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), are more than just instruments for social change; they are powerful platforms for launching careers. These organizations offer young individuals diverse volunteer opportunities that provide a unique chance to gain practical experience. They also help develop essential skills and build valuable professional networks

NGO'S in Kenya

Through their selfless commitment and diverse skills, volunteers contribute significantly to the mission and effectiveness of NGOs in Kenya, fostering community development and resilience. Their efforts not only bring about immediate benefits but also help instill a spirit of collaboration and hope within communities. Volunteering provides an opportunity to contribute to social change and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Benefits of volunteering with NGOs in Kenya:

Volunteering offers numerous benefits to individuals, beyond the impact they make on society. It also serves as a stepping stone to a fulfilling career. It allows individuals to:

  • Gain Practical Experience: Work directly on projects and gain hands-on experience in fields like project management, communications, and fundraising.
  • Develop Essential Skills: Hone skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and intercultural communication, which are highly valued by employers.
  • Build Professional Networks: Connect with experienced professionals and other volunteers, opening doors to potential mentors, collaborators, and future job opportunities.
  • Enhance Resumes: Volunteer experiences can significantly boost resumes, demonstrating a strong commitment to social causes and a willingness to go the extra mile.
NGOs in Kenya

Volunteering with the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) exemplifies the impactful role of volunteers in Kenya. NRCF empowers underprivileged children in Nairobi through education and support programs. Through its volunteer opportunities, it collaborates with community members who generously offer their time and expertise. These contributions come in various ways.

  • Organizing Life-Changing Events: Planning and executing fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and community gatherings that directly benefit underprivileged children.
  • Amplifying the Message: Sharing inspiring stories and creating engaging content to raise awareness about NRCF’s mission on social media and other platforms.
  • Career mentorship: Professionals from various fields, such as business, law, medicine, and art volunteer their time to mentor young people, guiding them towards their career aspirations and providing invaluable advice.

By volunteering with NGOs in Kenya, you can make a tangible impact on society while gaining valuable skills and experience to launch a successful career.

Empowering the Youth and Community Building

Meet Susan, one of our recent graduates. She joined the organization in 2008, marking the start of her success journey.  When she joined the program, she lived with her parents and two siblings in a modest house in Nairobi’s Dagoretti area. Her parents did casual jobs, making it challenging for them to support Susan and her siblings.

She completed her primary and secondary education with the program’s support, paving the way for her future aspirations. In 2021, Susan took a significant step toward her dream career by enrolling in college to pursue a diploma in Community Development and Social Work, which she completed successfully and will graduate in a few weeks.

Susan recently started a job as an Assistant Project Officer for the TechCraft program at Carolina for Kibera (CFK) Africa, an international non-governmental organization based in the informal settlement of Kibera (the biggest slum in Nairobi). TechCraft is an initiative dedicated to empowering unemployed youth in informal settlements. It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by connecting young individuals with master craftsmen who are certified for training. 

Susan is privileged to play a vital role in mobilizing and guiding the youth. Most importantly, she’s now able to make an income and support herself and her family. She is deeply grateful for the support she received from the organization, which has equipped her with the opportunities to build her career and give back to the community by uplifting others. Through her work, she continues to inspire and uplift others, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community

Francis’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Epicears Rabbitry

Francis is a professional zoologist, rabbit farmer, and web developer with an inspiring story of resilience and entrepreneurship. His journey with the NRCF program began in 2010 when he joined the program, as his mother had struggled to keep him in school. Through NRCF’s assistance, he completed his primary and secondary education and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Today, Francis is a thriving entrepreneur, running his own business, Epicears Rabbitry, which he established in November 2023. His journey into entrepreneurship was strengthened by his time in the Techmates program, where he acquired valuable web development skills. These skills have enabled him to create a website for Epicears Rabbitry, enhancing its reach and marketing effectiveness.

His involvement in NRCF’s Small Business Training program further boosted his business. The training program provided Francis with funds to expand by purchasing new rabbits, helping him meet growing customer demand. Epicears Rabbitry also caters to events by selling rabbit meat-based dishes, a popular option due to the meat’s lean and healthy protein content. The demand has grown so significantly that Francis now collaborates with other farmers to maintain a steady supply.

Francis is grateful to the NRCF program for both his educational foundation and the support he received to fuel his entrepreneurial journey. He is optimistic about the continued growth of Epicears Rabbitry and is committed to providing a nutritious food option to the community while scaling his business.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

During her visit to NRCF offices in Nairobi, Paula engaged in a series of strategic meetings aimed at enhancing partnerships and expanding opportunities to empower and support our beneficiaries more effectively. One of her key discussions was with the team at the Public Diplomacy section of the US Embassy, where they explored multiple potential areas for collaboration. These included mentorship programs facilitated by Alumni of US exchange programs, resource sharing through American Centers, and opportunities for professional development for staff. These partnerships hold promise to bring significant resources and learning opportunities to our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities.

In addition, Paula met with the leadership of Carolina For Kibera (CFK) Africa to discuss possible synergies, especially in youth empowerment. CFK Africa fights extreme poverty in informal settlements in Kenya through complementary youth leadership and public health initiatives. Together, they outlined ways to work towards common goals that would increase our impact and improve employment outcomes for young people. This collaboration aims to leverage each organization’s strengths, amplifying efforts to create a positive change in youth employment.

Lastly, Paula expressed gratitude to Shivani from Zen Garden, appreciating her continued support for NRCF’s local fundraising efforts. Shivani’s dedication has been instrumental in boosting our fundraising initiatives through events hosted at Zen Garden, helping us sustain and expand our programs.

These partnerships aim to strengthen our mission and enhance our impact in the community. We look forward to building on these connections to achieve our shared goals.