Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

NGOs in Kenya transforming lives in the slum areas of Nairobi

For many in Nairobi’s widespread, densely populated slum areas, daily life presents a series of seemingly unbeatable challenges. Limited access to basic necessities, inadequate infrastructure, and economic hardship create a cycle that can be difficult to break. However, amidst these struggles, a powerful force for change is at work: non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations are not merely providing aid; they are cultivating lasting transformation, empowering residents not just to survive but to thrive.

The Impact of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in Dagoretti

NGOs in Kenya

One exemplary organization making a profound difference is the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Focused on Dagoretti Slums, a particularly challenging area within Nairobi, this NGO is demonstrating the power of holistic support. Their approach goes beyond necessities to address the root causes of poverty through comprehensive programs.

  • Education as a Pathway: Ngong Road Children’s Foundation recognizes that education is the basis of empowerment. They provide children from underprivileged backgrounds access to quality education. From primary school through to college/university education, they ensure that children within Dagoretti have the tools to build a brighter future. By paying school fees, providing school supplies, and offering mentorship, they are breaking down barriers to learning.
  • Holistic Support: Beyond education, the foundation understands the importance of addressing other critical needs. They ensure that children have access to healthcare, nutritious meals, and emotional support, creating a stable foundation for their development.
  • Mentorship and guidance: The organization provides excellent mentorship programs that help children navigate life and make informed choices. This helps them to be well-rounded individuals.

The impact of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation is evident in the stories of the residents themselves. Children who once faced limited opportunities are now excelling in school, pursuing higher education, and venturing into once-unimaginable careers. Families who struggle to provide for their children are finding hope and stability.

Other NGOs Making a Difference

Other organizations are also working tirelessly to create positive change:

  • Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO): SHOFCO’s model integrates schools, health clinics, and community centers, providing a comprehensive approach to development in slums like Kibera. They focus on education for girls, healthcare, and clean water access.
  • Carolina for Kibera (CFK): CFK fosters community-driven development through youth programs, sports initiatives, and economic empowerment projects. They emphasize local leadership and participation.
  • Jamii Bora Trust: This organization focuses on economic empowerment, providing microfinance and business training to women in slums, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods.
  • Soul Mentor CBO: Soul Mentor CBO, operating within the slums of Mathare and Kibera, focuses on empowering individuals to drive sustainable development. Their work centers around three key pillars: community empowerment through leadership training for local CBOs, sustainable livelihood programs that support single mothers in an eco-friendly fashion, and child education and welfare initiatives that ensure children stay in school through health support and feeding programs. 

The work of these NGOs extends far beyond immediate relief. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, they are creating a significant effect that transforms entire communities. Residents gain the tools to break the cycle of poverty, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the development of their neighborhoods.

You can support our transformative work by volunteering your time or donating resources toward our initiatives. Together, we can create a brighter future for the residents of the Dagoretti slums.

   Meet Princess: A Young Girl Shaping Her Future

Educating a child has a powerful impact on reducing poverty: Meet Princess, a brilliant nine-year-old in fourth grade. Coming from a modest background, she has transformed her struggles into strength. Thanks to the support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, she has worked hard to excel academically. 

In addition to her studies, she serves as an assistant games prefect, demonstrating strong leadership skills. Her enthusiasm for sports motivates her peers to challenge themselves and have fun. She also enjoys drawing as it helps her escape into a world of her imagination. She actively participates in the Saturday Child Development Programme’s art club, where she showcases her creativity and inspires younger children to express themselves through art. Princess is a determined young girl with aspirations of becoming a doctor one day, motivated by her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. She is grateful to NRCF for giving her the support she needs to reach her dreams. 

Her story shows how important education and support can be in changing lives. She represents the strength and potential of every child. Investing in education is not just charity; it’s a way to change society for the better. With the right support and opportunities, young leaders like Princess will create a brighter future for their communities and the world.

Join us in transforming lives.

Teddy: A School President and Aspiring Engineer

My name is Teddy, and I’m in ninth grade. I consider myself bold and confident, always eager to embrace new experiences. Trying new things is an important part of growing up. I enjoy the thrill of playing football with friends and love taekwondo because it challenges me physically. 

Recently I was elected to serve as school president. In this role, I take pride in supporting my fellow students and acting as a bridge between them and the administration. This leadership position has significantly enhanced my communication and teamwork skills. 

In the future, I aspire to be a mechanical engineer because I love building things and understanding how they operate. I have a strong interest in creating machines. Attending the NRCF STEM camp, especially the robotics program, was an amazing experience that greatly encouraged and strengthened my engineering passion.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has provided me with more than just an education; they have inspired me to believe in my potential as a leader and a future engineer. With their support, my aspirations feel achievable. I am determined to use my skills to build a better future for myself and my community. My life is proof that encouragement and opportunity can transform a student’s life. I look forward to the day when I can apply my engineering knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Transform a life today.

Guiding Students to Successful Post-secondary Careers

The joy of participating in building your future career is unmatched. In the 2025 Scholarship Committee meeting, recent high school graduates were interviewed for university scholarships.

As part of the interview process, the students were asked to explain their chosen career paths and the reasons behind their selections. This activity empowers them to make informed choices and ensures a high completion rate of postsecondary education among our students. This leads to them getting employment, which transforms their lives.

The committee reviewed 16 scholarship applications from 2024 high school graduates and one student from the class of 2023. They assessed each student’s choices, evaluated their understanding of these choices, and ensured alignment with their interests and strengths. Additionally, they provided advice and guidance on the next steps related to these selections. When necessary, they collaborated with students to revise their choices.

After a thorough evaluation, the scholarship committee approved 6 students to pursue STEM-related courses, 4 for social sciences, and 7 for arts and sports courses. They also made several important recommendations to NRCF to enhance the support provided to students through the scholarship program. It was noted that some students lacked assertiveness and would benefit from coaching and mentorship to develop essential soft skills such as communication. This will empower the students to have successful post-secondary careers. Join us in transforming a life. 

NRCF Founder And Sponsors Visit Kenya

Our Founder and President, Paula Meyer, recently visited us in Kenya, accompanied by a group of generous sponsors. Their trip focused on engaging with the children we support, observing the impact of our programs in Kenya, and discussing our plans for the exciting future of NRCF.

Paula engaged with our dedicated staff and leadership team to discuss the foundation’s five-year plan to support 1,000 children by the year 2030 and reviewed strategies for sustainable growth. They discussed various strategies to amplify our impact and extend our support to help more children in need.

The sponsors met with current students and alumni who shared their success stories and expressed gratitude for the transformative support of the NRCF and our impact in Kenya. They created lasting memories by sharing lunch and shopping trips with their sponsored students. They also joined our Saturday Child Development  Programme where they laughed, played games, and built connections with the children. Additionally, they visited the homes of some beneficiaries to meet their families.

During the trip, Paula and the sponsors also got to experience the beauty of Kenya. They visited the Giraffe Center to interact with the gentle giants, the Elephant Orphanage to see baby elephants and the historic home of Karen Blixen. They also enjoyed thrilling safaris in national parks like Amboseli, Samburu, and Maasai Mara, hoping to see amazing wildlife.

Join us in transforming lives today!