Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

NRCF Camps 2024

Camps are more than just a break from the usual academic routine; they are transformative experiences that shape students’ character, skills, and memories. Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 provided unique opportunities for students to grow in resilience, teamwork, and leadership while celebrating their achievements. These camps exemplify how engaging environments outside the classroom can inspire personal growth and lifelong learning.

Senior Camp 2024: Celebrating Resilience and Grit

The Senior Camp was organized to celebrate the Class of 2023 KCPE graduates (Form One students) and to recognize the accomplishments of Form Three 2024 students. The camp’s theme, “Developing Resilience and Grit,” emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance in overcoming obstacles to succeed in high school. Held from Monday, 18th November to Friday, 22nd November 2024, the camp took place at Naivasha West Beach Camp, Kongoni, Naivasha, in Nakuru County. A total of 52 campers were in attendance and they were divided into four teams of 13 members each, with distinct T-shirt colors for easy identification. By the end of the camp, the Yellow Team emerged as the winners of the 2024 camp competitions.

Camp Activities

  1. Arts and Crafts
    • Campers learned to create friendship bracelets using lettered beads and string. This activity fostered creativity and resourcefulness, showing participants how to make art from readily available materials. The skills learned could even be applied to create items for income generation.
  2. GRIT Training
    • Teams participated in training sessions focused on developing GRIT—the combination of passion and perseverance. Students explored the skills necessary to navigate challenges in high school, such as peer pressure and demanding academic schedules.
  3. Leadership Development
    • Students were taught essential leadership skills, including setting goals, overcoming challenges, building confidence, effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration. These sessions aimed to prepare students for leadership roles in their schools and communities.
  4. Field Trip to Hell’s Gate and Geothermal Spa
    • Participants enjoyed a field trip to explore historic sites in the Rift Valley. They also learned about geothermal energy production from hot springs at the KenGen facility, enriching their understanding of Kenya’s natural resources and sustainable energy.
  1. Crazy Olympics Sports
    • A series of fun and engaging games encouraged teamwork and problem-solving among students. These activities provided an opportunity for light-hearted competition and bonding.
  2. Nine-Series Obstacle Race
    • Campers competed in a challenging obstacle course designed to test their problem-solving abilities, perseverance, and teamwork. The nine-series challenge was a highlight of the camp, emphasizing resilience under pressure.

Grammar Camp 2024: A Celebration of Young Champions

This year’s Grammar Camp was a memorable and thrilling adventure held at Stedmark Gardens. Organized to celebrate students’ achievements throughout the year and mark their transition to new academic classes, the camp embraced the inspiring theme, “Celebrating Our Young Champions,” continuing the tradition from last year. The event brought together 30 enthusiastic students from Grades 4 and 6.

Activities

The camp’s schedule was packed with a variety of fun and educational activities designed to engage and inspire students:

  • Visit to the Animal Park

The highlight of the camp was an educational visit to the Animal Park, where students explored fascinating habitats and wildlife. Guided by experts, students learned about birds, snakes, lions, monkeys, tortoises, deer, llamas, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and ostriches. 

  • Amusement Park Adventures

The amusement park was a hub of thrills and laughter as students enjoyed bouncing castles, a train ride, and other entertaining activities. The vibrant atmosphere added an extra layer of excitement to their day.

  • Swimming

A heated swimming pool provided a refreshing break for students. It was a perfect setting for relaxation, bonding, and engaging in aquatic fun.

  • Photography

Encouraged to capture their experiences, students embraced photography as a creative outlet. This activity not only fostered their creativity but also helped preserve the camp’s cherished memories.

Conclusion

The Senior Camp 2024 and Grammar Camp 2024 demonstrated the incredible value of camps in students’ lives, offering avenues for skill-building, exploration, and celebration. Through activities that challenged their minds, bodies, and creativity, participants forged lasting bonds and discovered new strengths. Camps like these are vital in nurturing the champions and resilient leaders of tomorrow.

Join us in transforming lives today!

Laphenus: Aspiring Psychiatrist with a passion for Acting and Sports.

My name is Laphenus, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student at P.C.E.A Kimuri Comprehensive School. I am a passionate and driven individual who loves acting, storytelling, and playing sports such as basketball, netball, and handball. My favorite subjects are Kiswahili and Social Studies, which allow me to explore my creativity and learn about the world

I am proud of my teamwork skills, which I’ve developed through my active participation in school activities. Acting is one of my favorite things—it allows me to express myself, connect with others, and tell stories that inspire and entertain. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team at the Kenya National Theatre, which has given me valuable experience and helped me grow as an actor.

My dream is to become a psychiatrist because I am fascinated by the human mind and deeply care about helping people overcome emotional and mental challenges. Alongside my career aspirations, I plan to continue acting as a way to share powerful messages and stories.

One of my dreams is to visit Paris and India. Paris inspires me with its beauty, art, and culture, while India fascinates me with its vibrant traditions and storytelling. My favorite actor, Sarah Hassan, motivates me to work hard and believe in my talent.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) has been instrumental in shaping my journey. Before joining NRCF in 2020, life was tough for my family, and education felt like an unattainable dream. NRCF stepped in, providing me with school fees, meals, medical care, and supplies, enabling me to attend one of NRCF’s focused schools, Jagiet Academy, where I thrived. At NRCF, I’ve also been active in Saturday program activities such as taekwondo, drama, and dance, which have helped me develop discipline, creativity, and confidence.

Today, NRCF continues to provide mentorship and resources that allow me to pursue my passions and excel in my studies. It has not only given me access to education but also the confidence to believe in myself and my future. With the support of NRCF, I am determined to make my dreams a reality and contribute positively to my community. I am living proof that education and encouragement can transform lives, and I am excited about the future that lies ahead. 

Transform a life today!

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