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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Deborah’s story: a perfect example of diversifying skills

My name is Deborah, and I have had a journey of growth and learning that led me to where I am today. It all began back in 2008 when I joined Ngong Road Children’s Foundation as a class one student. Little did I know that the organization would become a significant part of my life, shaping my educational and professional path.

During my primary education, I attended Jagiet Primary School from 2008 to 2015. It was a place where I not only gained knowledge but also developed a strong sense of community and compassion. The values instilled in me during those years continue to guide me today. For my secondary education, I moved on to Sacred Heart Secondary School in Mirithu, where I spent four memorable years from 2016 to 2019. 

After completing my secondary education, I decided to take a step towards turning my passion into a profession. From September to November 2022, I enrolled in Vera Beauty College to pursue a certificate course in makeup and eyebrows. This experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the world of cosmetics. It was a fulfilling journey where I sharpened my abilities and gained a greater appreciation for the art of makeup. I am currently awaiting graduation from this course. 

I have recently, made the exciting decision to join the NRCF Techmates team as a digital marketing intern. I had heard about the program and was immediately drawn to the prospect of gaining practical skills in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. During my three-month internship as a Techmate, I will learn about the different aspects of Digital Marketing such as social media management, search engine optimization, and content creation.

I aspire to leverage the skills I will acquire during my internship to embark on a freelancing journey after three months. Freelancing will not only allow me to apply my digital marketing expertise but also give me the flexibility to explore and take on diverse projects while still allowing me to pursue my passion in the beauty industry.  I am entirely grateful to the NRCF program for the life-changing opportunity of being able to get quality education. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Transform a life today.

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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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Changing Lives Through Education: The Story of Gideon

Meet Gideon, a bright and determined boy who loves two things more than anything else: drawing and playing football. He dreams of becoming a lawyer, using his passion for justice to help others. Gideon comes from a big and loving family. He lives with his parents and four siblings. Gideon’s life changed when he joined the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation in 2019.

Gideon, a remarkable young man

The foundation provided Gideon with an incredible opportunity to pursue his dreams. Through their support, he was able to attend Bukembe Boys, a good-performing secondary school. Gideon’s exceptional performance in Jagiet Primary School earned him this opportunity, and he couldn’t be more grateful.

At Bukembe Boys, Gideon found his true passion for learning. His favorite subjects are English and history, and he excels in both. But his talent doesn’t end there. Gideon is also a talented football player. Together with his teammates, he managed to reach the county level during the secondary school games competitions.

During school holidays, Gideon finds another place to learn and grow – the Elimu Hub. This is a special space where he and other students from the program can gain computer skills while having fun. He loves using computers to create amazing artworks and explore the vast world of knowledge online. But his favorite pastime at the Elimu Hub is watching the very best football players on the screen, trying to emulate their skills and improve his own.

gideon inside the elimu huib
Ngong road children’s foundation

Gideon’s journey isn’t easy, but with the support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and his own determination, he knows he can overcome any challenge. He believes in the power of education, hard work, and the importance of following his dreams. Through his determination, passion, and the foundation’s support, Gideon’s dream of becoming a lawyer is beginning to take shape. He knows that being a lawyer will allow him to fight for justice and help those in need.

The story of Gideon is just one of many success stories made possible by the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation. With their help, countless children like Gideon are given the opportunity to transform their lives through education and support. By supporting the foundation, you can make a difference too. You can sponsor a child like Gideon, donate to the cause, or even volunteer your time to inspire and guide these young minds. Together, we can create a brighter future for all, where dreams come true and obstacles are overcome.

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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.