Friends of Ngong Road

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

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Sexual Reproductive Health Training for Youth Peer Providers at NRCF

In a recent training program held at NRCF, a group of enthusiastic young individuals embarked on a journey to become better-equipped Youth Peer Providers (YPPs) in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). This training was held from the 5th to the 7th of October with an aim to add to the existing knowledge that the Youth Peer Providers have in order for them to deliver SRH education effectively to students in the program. The training was carried out by volunteers from the Enkare Oltau Foundation.

Day 1: Building Foundations

The first day of training commenced with self-introductions, emphasizing the importance of making lasting impressions and effective icebreakers, crucial skills for working with teenagers and peers. The participants openly shared their expectations, with many hoping to increase their knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and better manage emerging issues in the field. The day’s agenda covered fundamental topics such as sex, sexuality, sexual reproductive health, personality, identity, self-esteem, sexual orientation, and emerging trends in SRH. The day also delved into gender fluidity, a pressing concern in SRHR, emphasizing understanding and respecting different gender identities and expressions.

Day 2: Deepening Knowledge

Topics covered for the day included love and sex, relationships, components of SRHR, and long-term relationships.

In a group work format, trainees were divided into four groups to discuss and present specific SRHR components, such as STIs, pregnancy, teen pregnancy, abortion, adolescent SRH, and contraception and family planning. The practical highlight of the day was a demonstration of self-testing kits, which was a new learning experience for all participants. This demonstration inspired a request for more kits and discussions on collaborating with Community Health Volunteers or the nearest County Hospital for further training and supplies.

Day 3: Exploring Taboos

The agenda for the day covered sensitive topics, including masturbation, SRH legal policies, SRH for marginalized communities, and mental health management for SRH facilitators.

Masturbation became a focal point of discussion, with the trainees expressing a strong desire for more in-depth knowledge. This day marked the end of the training.

The SRH training provided youth peer providers with valuable insights and skills to become effective facilitators in SRH education. The program empowered these young individuals with the knowledge, sensitivity, and tools they need to address SRH challenges and make a lasting impact. The dedication of both trainers and trainees to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment promises a brighter future for SRHR education and support. Our gratitude goes out to the volunteers at the Enkare Oltau Foundation for taking the time to carry out this refresher training for our Youth Peer Providers.

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Ngong Road Children’s Foundation Empowers Graduates with Employability Skills

On September 23rd, the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation took a significant step in shaping the future of recent college graduates by organizing a training session focused on employability skills. The event was led by Calvin Apodi, a renowned author and the founder of BTL (Be The Leader).

The primary objective of this training was to provide our alumni with the essential skills required to thrive in the competitive job market. The training covered a wide range of topics, all aimed at enhancing the graduates’ chances of success in their chosen careers.

The session began with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of employability skills. Participants gained a clear understanding of what these skills are and why they are vital for securing and excelling in job opportunities.

Throughout the event, attendees were enlightened on various key aspects, including:

1. Communication Skills:

The importance of effective communication in both professional and personal spheres was emphasized. Practical tips on how to improve communication skills were shared.

2. Teamwork Skills:

Participants learned about the significance of collaboration and working harmoniously in a team. Valuable insights and strategies for successful teamwork were discussed.

3. Leadership Skills:

The training delved into the qualities and behaviors that make a great leader. Aspiring leaders were given guidance on developing and showcasing their leadership abilities.

4. Critical Thinking:

Critical thinking skills were highlighted as a crucial asset for problem-solving and decision-making in the workplace.

5. Emotional Intelligence:

Understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others were explored, as emotional intelligence is a key component of success in any profession.

6. Courtesy:

The importance of maintaining professionalism and courtesy in all interactions, both online and offline, was underscored.

7. Time Management:

Effective time management techniques were discussed to help graduates maximize their productivity.

8. Job Seeking Visibility:

Strategies for increasing visibility in the job market and standing out to potential employers were shared.

9. Networking Skills:

Building and nurturing professional networks were highlighted as essential for career growth.

This insightful training was attended by more than 30 enthusiastic alumni of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. It provided them with valuable tools and knowledge to embark on their professional journeys with confidence and competence.

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation remains committed to supporting and empowering its graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With events like this, the foundation continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young adults, helping them achieve their dreams and contribute to society.

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Menstrual Hygiene Matters!

At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and hygienic menstruation. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our latest campaign, “Menstrual Hygiene Matters” with the hashtag #HygieneForAll.

Campaign Objective: Our goal is simple yet powerful – to raise awareness and collect sanitary pad donations for individuals in need. Together, we can ensure that every girl has the dignity and hygiene they deserve during menstruation.

Why This Matters: Millions of girls around the world lack access to essential menstrual hygiene products, hindering their well-being and confidence. With your support, we can change that.

How You Can Get Involved:

Join us in this important mission by taking these simple steps:

Follow Our Campaign: Stay updated with our progress and impactful stories by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Together, we can amplify our message.

Share Your Stories: Have you or someone you know been positively impacted by similar donation campaigns? Share your stories using the hashtag #HygieneForAll. Your experiences can inspire others to get involved.

Be a Donor: We’ve made it easy for you to make a difference. You can donate sanitary pads through Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. Every pad counts, and every contribution matters.

Spread the Word: Help us reach a wider audience by sharing our campaign posts, templates, and stickers. Let’s make Menstrual Hygiene Matter for all.

Together, we can create a wave of change that brings menstrual hygiene to everyone who needs it. Let’s take action and show that #HygieneForAll is not just a campaign but a commitment to a more equitable world. Together, we can make a lasting impact on these girls’ lives.

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Employment Rebounds Post COVID

Our Alumni are Navigating the Employment Landscape post-Covid

In our commitment to measure our results, we conducted a comprehensive survey of our alumni. This survey sheds light on the achievements gained and challenges encountered as alumni navigate the employment market in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the respondents, 65% are currently earning an income, while 35% are in transition/seeking employment. This 65% employment rate is noteworthy as it surpasses the national average of 63% as of the fourth quarter of 2022 despite our population’s youthful composition, with youth unemployment usually higher than the population as a whole.  This marks a significant improvement compared to the pre-COVID data from 2019, where our alumni unemployment rate was 45%, compared to 62.6% for Kenya.

The survey reveals a blend of job stability and mobility over the past 12 months. Notably, 59% of respondents have maintained a consistent job, 17% reported a temporary absence from the workforce; while the remaining 24% had changed jobs more than once.

Within the cohort earning an income, roles are diverse. A commendable 49% are engaged as full-time employees, 14% have part-time roles, and 11% show entrepreneurial spirit as business owners.

Income distribution further underscores the success of our alumni. Astonishingly, 58% surpass the Kenyan legal minimum wage of 20K (Kenya Shillings) per month, enabling them to elevate their families and communities. About 42% earn between 10 and 19.9K, while 19% report earnings within the 30 to 49.9K range. And 10% earn over 50k Kenya Shillings per month.

Our alumni have a 52% engagement rate in formal employment (signed a contract with an established organization), while others are in the informal (casual labor or gig work) sectors or as business proprietors. For those within the formal sector, the ways our alumni have secured employment are diverse. A majority, 57%, found their positions through referrals, while 19% used online applications and job websites. 

A wide range of industries employ our alumni, with a significant percentage employed in the NGO sector (21%).  In the formal sector, industries employing our alumni include hospitality, hotel management, and beauty and personal care. We find it impressive that 36% of respondents hold managerial positions, with a commendable percentage (95%) overseeing teams of more than two individuals.

Respondents reporting informal employment mention referrals as pivotal in securing roles. Within the informal sector, 57% hold supervisory positions, and 23% have been promoted in the last year. A cohort of 13 respondents claim to be self-employed entrepreneurs, with 23% having at least one employee. Only 3 out of 13 have formal business registrations thus far, reflecting the newness of their enterprise.

For those in search of opportunities (35%), the challenges they cite range from limited capital (for the self-employed) to a scarcity of viable prospects in the formal sector.

The survey captures the narratives of our alumni, showcasing their resilience, determination, and dedication to success in the post-Covid era. We believe our results are representative, as 158 alumni (80%) participated out of a potential 198. The strong response rate indicates that our alumni place a high value on sharing their experiences, insights, and journeys.

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Women Empowerment

Empowering Women and Bridging Gender Disparities  

Our support of gender equality and women’s empowerment guides many of our programs. While strides toward this have been significant in Kenya, we are aware of the challenges that still persist, particularly in employment status and financial autonomy. Through our programs, existing disparities are being actively addressed, and we are seeing some promising outcomes, as revealed in a recent (August/September 2023) survey conducted amongst our alumni.

The survey gathered data from 158 out of 198 alumni (e.g., 80% participation). Within this group, 57% identified as female, while 43% identified as male. This parallels our community’s demographics, which are generally 60% female and 40% male.

The data show a remarkable convergence of female and male employment rates. In our alumni study, female employment, at 64%, is very near the male employment rate of 66% and above the overall 56% female employment rate In Kenya.  This achievement is significant given the historical disparities in labor force participation by women in Kenya.  Another encouraging gender dynamic is that our female alumni occupy an impressive 71% of supervisory positions despite constituting 57% of respondents.

Our study revealed a high level of financial autonomy among our female alumni. Over 66% of female alumni are living independently in comparison to males (49%) reflects evolving Kenyan societal norms that embrace women’s pursuit of autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Amongst our alumni, 64% of females are the primary providers within their homes, and 81% are providing at least some financial support to their households as compared to the national percentage of 36.4% (Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022).  Of the 9 females whose spouses are the main providers, only 2 had their husbands as their sole providers. Additionally, 48% of females possess savings, slightly surpassing the figure of 44% for males. This reflects the increasing financial consciousness and independence among women.

The survey findings provide a good perspective on alumni women’s empowerment, including employment status, transformation in familial roles, and financial independence. As we celebrate the advancements in female alumni employment rates and leadership positions, we will continue to address gender disparities. We aim to continue our successful programs to empower our women.