Dear Friends, This has been a busy time here in Nairobi at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation and camps are near.
Impact of Karibu Loo and employment on our students
Karibu Loo has been a great platform for job opportunities for our students. Getting entry-level jobs here in Kenya can take quite some time and is usually necessary before one gets a permanent job. The work experience has also helped our students to become productive and responsible citizens in our country.
Our students have learned how to keep a time schedule which is a key factor in self-management. They have taken on responsibility, as they are capable of managing the event with minimal supervision while attending to clients and maintaining the cabin units. They have also learned communication skills since the Karibu Loo logo sends a strong message (“helping to educate children”) so they have to explain to the interested client what the project is all about.
The individuals have acquired skills in engaging with a wide range of customers, including those of varying financial backgrounds. They have developed teamwork abilities and have embraced values of honesty and openness when managing client relationships and financial matters. They’ve developed adaptability, built strong customer relationships, and are now self-reliant, earning a modest stipend to cover their daily needs.
Getting ready for camp
Every year in August we organize a camp for all the children in the program. An opportunity for kids to break free from slum life, enjoy a nurturing, exciting space with enriching activities and education.
We typically hold four camp sessions: Leadership Camp for selected students aged 15 and above who become junior counselors, Senior Camp for students aged 14 and above, Grammar Camp for students aged 10 to 13, and Little Kids Camp for students below 10 years.
We are in high gear planning for our 2015 camp.
St. Francis Xavier Girls School in Naivasha will host Leadership, Senior, and Grammar Camps this year.This will take place from 9th to the 21st of August. (Navisha is famous for its lake with many flamingoes). Little Kids Camp is scheduled to take place at Luna Park in Nairobi on the 22nd of August. Camp involves dividing children into eight teams with four squads for easy management and competition in various games.
Camp planning this year has been evolving
- Skype calls with Tom Gleason (the founder and Director of NRCF camps) have been held for planning and logistics such as budget and camp activities.
- We have already bought camp T-shirts for all campers and printing is in process. The T-shirts are in 8 different colors i.e. red, green, blue, yellow, electric, orange, grey, and jungle green.
- Team Leaders and Squad Leaders have been selected from a list of Team and Squad leaders from 2014 and new applications to help us run the camp.
- Adult Staff Counselors have been selected. This year we will have 10 graduates as adult staff. All caseworkers shall be at both camps too.
- Field Trips have been planned. Annually, we explore our nation’s landscapes, exposing children to its resources and beauty through diverse field trips.
- This year we shall have field trips during both Senior and Grammar Camp. Senior Camp will involve hiking Mt. Longonot, while Grammar Camp will involve a boat ride on Lake Naivasha..
This year we will have six volunteers from the US joining us and bringing with them new ideas for camp.
Thank you for your support.
Peter Ndungu
Executive Director, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation
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