Ngong Road Children's Foundation

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

Lucy’s Journey From Financial Hardship to Professional Success

For many young people, the path to a career is paved with steady support and clear skies. But for Lucy, the journey began in the shadows of uncertainty. Before finding her way to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), the necessities of life, things many take for granted, were her biggest barriers.

The Weight of Uncertainty

Before joining the program, life was a daily struggle for survival. The dream of an education felt like a luxury that was always just out of reach.

  • Financial Strain: School fees were a constant source of anxiety, often leading to missed classes and interrupted learning.
  • Basic Needs: Hunger was a frequent companion. Without stable access to meals, focusing on a textbook was nearly impossible.

“I remember the feeling of wanting to learn so badly, but the constant worry about whether we could afford the next term or even the next meal was overwhelming,” she recalls.

A Turning Point

Everything changed when she was accepted into the program. The heavy burden of school fees was lifted, replaced by the steady hand of a dedicated sponsor.

NRCF doesn’t just provide an education; they provide a lifeline. The program addressed her challenges holistically:

  1. Full Sponsorship: Covering tuition and school requirements.
  2. Nutritional Support: Ensuring that meals were no longer a question mark, but a guarantee.
  3. Mentorship: Providing the emotional and professional guidance needed to navigate the transition from student to professional.

Life Today

Fast forward to the present, and the transformation is complete. Lucy is now a professional Receptionist, serving as the face of her organization with confidence and grace.

The impact of her sponsorship extends far beyond her own office desk:

  • Self-Sustenance: She is now financially independent.
  • Supporting Family: She has moved from being supported to being a provider, helping sustain her family and uplift their quality of life.
  • Community Impact: Her success serves as a beacon of hope for other children currently in the NRCF program.

“I am so grateful to my sponsor and the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. They didn’t just pay my fees; they gave me a future. Today, I can take care of myself and my family. My dream has truly come true.”

Why Sponsorship Matters

The story of this alumna is a testament to what happens when opportunity meets determination. NRCF continues to bridge the gap between poverty and potential, turning “what ifs” into “what is.”

Through the generosity of sponsors, children who once worried about their next meal are now the professionals leading Kenya into the future.

Highlighting Our Recent Sponsor Visit

Last week, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) was honored to host one of our valued sponsors, Stanley Trollip, for a meaningful and inspiring visit to our program.

Stan took time to meet our dedicated staff team and gain a deeper understanding of the holistic support we provide to children and youth from the Dagoretti community. His visit provided him with a firsthand look at how sponsorship extends beyond school fees to encompass mentorship, career guidance, psychosocial support, and job preparation.

Engaging with Our Career Programs

During his time with us, Stan attended our Career Mentorship session for post-secondary (PS) students as well as our Job Preparedness Programme for alumni. In both sessions, he actively engaged with students, speaking passionately about career growth, workplace expectations, and the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.

His insights on professional development, resilience, and continuous learning resonated strongly with our students. It was a powerful reminder of how sponsor engagement adds tremendous value—not only financially, but also through personal mentorship and encouragement.

A Saturday to Remember

Stan also joined our vibrant Saturday Programme, where he interacted with students in a relaxed and joyful setting. One of the highlights was watching the inspiring film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind together. The story of determination and innovation sparked meaningful conversations and laughter among the students and staff. Moments like these reflect the heart of NRCF—building community, nurturing dreams, and creating safe spaces where children can learn and grow.

A Special Moment with Shadrack

The most memorable part of Stan’s visit was meeting his sponsored student, Shadrack, who is currently in Form 3. The two shared a wonderful time bonding, catching up, and discussing Shadrack’s academic progress and aspirations for the future. Seeing the connection between sponsor and student come alive in person is always deeply moving. These relationships are at the core of our sponsorship model, reinforcing to our students that someone believes in them and is walking the journey alongside them.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from our students at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). They have a unique perspective on Valentine’s Day. While many see a “big red heart,” our children see something much more practical.

Love is…

Through their hand-drawn cards and bright smiles, our students reminded us that love is a verb. It is the action of showing up, providing an education, and building a future together.

Thank You for Your Support

Your generosity is what makes moments like these possible. Because of you, our students don’t just talk about love—they experience it through the resources and community you provide.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at NRCF. We love you!

Watch our special Valentine’s video below to see our students redefine love:

Empowering High School Graduates for 21st Century Success

The leap from high school to adulthood requires more than just academic knowledge; it requires a specialized toolkit for the 21st century. Our recent programs have equipped graduates with the resilience and practical expertise needed to navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Three Pillars of Student Success

To ensure a holistic transition, our curriculum focused on three critical areas of development:

  • Life Skills Training: Beyond the classroom, students mastered essential “adulting” skills, including financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and effective conflict resolution.
  • Career Development: We moved past traditional job searching to focus on career agility, teaching students how to build personal brands and adapt to a shifting “gig” economy.
  • Substance Abuse Awareness: Protecting our students’ futures means equipping them with the facts. Our program focused on health-conscious decision-making and stress-management techniques to navigate new freedoms safely.

Insights from the Higher Education & Skills Expo

A central highlight was our students’ attendance at the Major Higher Education and Skills Expo. This event served as a compass for their next steps in education and vocational training.

Key Expo Takeaways:

  • The AI Revolution: Students explored how Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping every industry, from medicine to the arts.
  • Practical Over Theoretical: The event emphasized that “knowing” is no longer enough; “doing” is the new currency. There was a heavy focus on gaining technical, hands-on skills.
  • 21st Century Adaptability: Experts guided students on how to prepare for a “borderless” world of work where the ability to learn and re-skill is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Ready for the Future

By blending personal wellness with professional strategy, our graduates aren’t just entering the workforce; they are prepared to lead it. They leave us with the mindset to embrace emerging trends and the character to handle life’s challenges with confidence.

Celebrating Academic Excellence and a Historic Milestone

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), we believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. Today, we take great pride in announcing the outstanding performance of our 2025 high school graduates.

Last year, we had 18 candidates sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The results are in, and they are nothing short of inspiring.

A New Milestone for NRCF

For the first time in our organization’s history, we have achieved a record-breaking number of university qualifiers. Out of our 18 candidates, 11 students have qualified to pursue Degree courses.

This is a monumental achievement that highlights the hard work of our students and the dedication of our support system, in addition to our university qualifiers, 3 students qualified for Diploma courses, and 4 for Certificate courses.

We are proud to say that 100% of our candidates will be advancing their education. Every single student will be joining various Universities, Colleges, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country to further their skills and careers.

Meet Our Top Achievers

While the entire class performed admirably, we want to spotlight our top four students who have set the bar high with their results and their ambitions.

David is our top student and has his sights set on the world of design. He looks forward to pursuing Architectural Science.“Thank you to my sponsor for the continuous support and for impacting my life.” — David
Wycliffe rounds out our top four with a strong interest in technology and innovation. He plans to become a Mechanical Engineer.“I am more than grateful to have a sponsor who really supports me, and I look forward to giving back to the community.” — Wycliffe
Mitchelle, our second-highest performer, has a passion for healthcare and intends to pursue Nursing.“I’m really grateful to my sponsor and Ngong Road Children’s Foundation for always supporting my dreams.” — Mitchelle
Kimberley is driven by business and looks forward to becoming a future Entrepreneur.“Thank you so much, Barbara, for supporting me, and I love you so much.” — Kimberley

The Journey Ahead

The journey doesn’t stop at the exams. As these young adults prepare for the next chapter, they are currently engaged in our Life Skills classes, which help equip them with the social and emotional tools needed for life after high school.

Looking forward, the graduates will begin short courses in May. These courses are designed to help them identify their strengths and potential career paths before they officially join their respective tertiary institutions in September.

A Message of Gratitude

To our sponsors, donors, and the entire NRCF community: this victory belongs to you as much as it belongs to the students. Your unwavering support ensures that every child has the opportunity to stay in school and reach their full potential.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! You have made us incredibly proud, and we wish you all the best as you start this exciting new journey.