We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.
Naomi Kamanda was the first employee of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and like all other NRCF employees, she began her work with the organization as a volunteer.
Naomi was born in Nairobi and lived in Kibera (the largest slum in Nairobi) for most of her childhood. Her mother is a seamstress and her father works in the electronics field, primarily for a company in Tanzania. She has four brothers and is now 26 years old.
[Read more…]2026 marks the beginning of our 20th Anniversary. We’re kicking off a year of celebrating on April 23, 2026, in collaboration with our partners at Arrow Giving Foundation.
Save the date—April 23, 2026—as we celebrate two decades of partnering with students and families in Nairobi to unlock opportunity through education. Today, our alumni are working, leading, supporting their families, and shaping their communities.
Gather for Impact
Celebrating 20 Years of Friends of Ngong Road
April 23, 5 PM – 7 PM
Maison Margaux
Free to attend and complimentary valet.
Registration opens March 9th—more information to come.
2025: A year of growth and momentum
Thanks to you and our global community of supporters, 2025 was a year of inspiring hope and sparking brighter futures. As our 2025 Outcomes Report shows, your generosity is changing lives.
Because of you, we began 2026 by onboarding 100 new students and have already welcomed the first 50 children in January, with another 50 onboarding in April. Thanks to you and hundreds of supporters, last December, you helped make this possible by giving $293,589. Thank you.
Our team in Kenya wanted to say thank you personally. We invite you to watch this short message of gratitude from the staff and students — the very ones your support impacts.
Program Highlight
Every Saturday, students spend the day engaging in fun activities, sharing laughter, and enjoying a delicious meal. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the impact of education and support. Each Saturday is an opportunity for our students to learn, play, and thrive. Take a moment to enjoy watching kids being kids.
At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), education is a long-term commitment. A student’s journey with us spans 8 to 12 years, supporting them from primary school through to employment. We don’t just pay school fees; we provide a holistic support system designed to foster self-reliance and career readiness.
A Strong Foundation (Primary & Junior Secondary)
The journey begins with enrollment, where students receive full uniforms, shoes, and textbooks. But the real growth happens outside the classroom. On Saturdays, students attend enrichment programs that include nutritional support, library activities, and coding bootcamps to reinforce their learning. As they transition into Junior Secondary School (Grades 7–9), we align with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, helping students discover their unique talents early on.
When students enter Senior Secondary School, they typically transition to boarding schools. We ensure they have everything they need—from mattresses to personal items—so they can focus on their studies. During school breaks, we host camps focused on mental health, drug abuse awareness, and career training to build resilience for the real world.
After high school, the focus shifts to “Job Readiness.” To qualify for post-secondary scholarships, students must demonstrate commitment by completing a mandatory 3-month short course. Our support continues even after graduation through our Alumni Network, which offers apprenticeships and specialized training programs like Techmates (digital marketing and software development) to ensure our graduates are ready for the job market.
From Grade 2 to their first job, our mission is simple: to raise a self-driven generation capable of solving problems and succeeding in the modern workforce.
Marion, a Grade 9 student, has achieved remarkable academic success. Recently, she excelled in her end-of-term exams and became the top-performing student in her class, surpassing 92 of her classmates. Among the subjects in which she excelled are Integrated Science, Mathematics, Pre-Technical Studies, and English. Since joining the organization in 2019 as a Grade 3 student, Marion has shown great academic potential. Her strong performance across various subjects reflects her well-rounded intellect and dedication to her education.
Marion attributes her success to the support and opportunities that Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has provided her. “Ngong Road Children’s Foundation has supported my academic journey by providing school fees and learning materials.” She shared. She has also benefited from the various programs the organization runs for the welfare of our children. These include: computer studies, STEM education programs, book club, and art classes. Marion says that these have fostered her knowledge of technology, love for literature, and creativity.
In the future, Marion aspires to become a nutritionist. She hopes to help her community achieve better health through improved nutrition. With her dedication to education and the ongoing support of the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, her dreams are attainable. Her greatest motivation is to be a role model for her younger siblings and peers.
Aside from her academic abilities, Marion is a friendly and hardworking individual, which contributes to her success. She enjoys listening to music and loves dancing with her friends. As a member of the NRCF Dance Crew, she participates in dance sessions during our Saturday Child Development Program.
Join us in transforming lives!