education Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Friends of Ngong Road

Kenya, a nation brimming with potential, faces complex challenges ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and healthcare access. In this landscape, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role, working tirelessly to empower communities and drive positive change. This article delves into the specific areas where NGOs in Kenya are making a tangible difference, highlighting their impactful work and the unique challenges they address.

1. Education: Building a Brighter Future

The Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF) is at the forefront of ensuring Kenyan children have access to quality education. Their focus on early childhood development is pivotal in laying a strong foundation for future success. By providing stimulating learning environments and nurturing care, NRCF empowers young minds to reach their full potential.

Their commitment to primary and secondary education extends to supporting schools, training mentors, and providing essential learning materials. This holistic approach ensures that children have the tools and resources they need to excel academically. Moreover, NRCF’s dedication to girls’ education is a testament to their belief in gender equality.

Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and advocacy, they work tirelessly to break down barriers that prevent girls from accessing education. By investing in the education of every child, NRCF is building a brighter future for Kenya.

2. Healthcare: Strengthening Health Systems and Saving Lives

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. NGOs like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), The Aga Khan Foundation, and NRC are working to:

Provide Essential Healthcare Services: Delivering medical care in underserved communities, particularly in remote areas and during emergencies.
Combat Infectious Diseases: Implementing programs to prevent and treat diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Strengthen Health Systems: Supporting local health facilities, training healthcare workers, and advocating for improved healthcare policies.

3. Economic Empowerment: Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods

Poverty remains a significant challenge in Kenya. NGOs like CARE International, Oxfam International, and NRC are committed to:

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Supporting farmers with training, access to markets, and climate-resilient farming practices.
Microfinance and Entrepreneurship: Providing financial services and business development support to empower individuals and communities.
Job Creation and Skills Development: Creating employment opportunities and equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the job market.

4. Humanitarian Response: Providing Aid in Times of Crisis

Kenya is vulnerable to natural disasters and conflict. NGOs like The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), World Vision International, and NRC are at the forefront of:

Emergency Relief: Providing food, water, shelter, and medical care to those affected by disasters and conflict.
Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction: Working with communities to build resilience and prepare for future emergencies.
Protection and Support for Vulnerable Populations: Ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.

5. Human Rights and Social Justice: Advocating for Equality and Dignity

NGOs like Amnesty International, Mercy Corps, and NRC are dedicated to:

Promoting Human Rights: Advocating for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and the abolition of the death penalty.
Addressing Gender Inequality: empowering women and girls, promoting gender equality, and combating violence against women.
Fighting Corruption and Promoting Good Governance: Advocating for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Challenges Faced by NGOs in Kenya:

While NGOs play a vital role in Kenya’s development, they face several challenges:

Funding Constraints: Securing sustainable funding is a constant challenge, particularly in a competitive funding environment.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Security Concerns: Operating in conflict-affected areas or regions with high crime rates can pose security risks for INGO staff.
Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of programs and building local capacity is crucial for lasting impact.

NGOs significantly contribute to Kenya’s development, addressing critical challenges and empowering communities. The dedication and commitment of NGOs, including the vital work of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, are essential for Kenya’s continued progress, We empower Nairobi children in poverty through education and support. Ngong Road Children’s Foundation pairs sponsors with specific children to foster meaningful relationships and transform lives. The program provides support in education, health, community, and employment, ensuring students’ success. Join us by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring a child.

In the U.S. and Europe, COVID-19 vaccination rates are approaching 50 percent. Daily routines are beginning to return to some semblance of normal. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the vaccination rate hovers between 0.5 to 5 percent. Projections of reaching just 10 percent by the end of the year taint cause a real sense of uncertainty. Unprotected, the lingering threat of the Delta (India) variant is as real as the almost predictable electrical power brownouts that roll through Nairobi slums.

Kelvin Thuku, Program Manager at Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, reports mixed reactions and impacts on schools’ reopening since May 1. Being back to school presents itself as a very new normal. All students must still wear masks, and they must maintain social distancing.

These conditions have impacted personal interactions, and the school time intensely focuses on the classroom curriculum. There’s a lot of catching up to do after missing nine months of the 2020 school year. Extracurricular activities are experiencing significant curtailment.

For primary school students, opening up schools was great, even with the restrictions. During the shutdown, young kids were becoming bored at home all day. They are excited to spend their days at school with their friends and then return home at night.

It’s another story for older students, especially those attending boarding school. Last year’s break made it more challenging for young adults to leave their homes and go back to boarding school life. Their families are struggling financially, and boarding school life restrictions are reminders of what their families back home are trying to manage. Many secondary students found casual labor to help support their family’s economic hardships created by the pandemic. They are worried for their families and concerned that they should be helping sustain their families’ well-being. For some, returning to the streets of the slum last year meant they were exposed to drugs and alcohol, which became a problem. Returning to the isolated and strict boarding school lifestyle was challenging.

NRCF students and the nation are feeling the impact of COVID-19. Disciplinary problems and expulsions are on the rise. NRCF has already had two at-risk cases reach the organization’s Disciplinary Committee in just six weeks, including one expulsion, and two more are on the docket to be heard. It usually would see just two or three of these extreme cases in a school year.

Beyond education, COVID-19’s impact has harshly impacted the local economy, confirmed in a recent NPR story. Gross Domestic Product economic figures show a sharp 5 percent decline during the pandemic versus a standard rate of 5 percent growth. The impact has especially hit the informal economy, where most NRCF families earn their incomes. An already vulnerable population is living in an ever more unstable economic environment.

Similarly, last year, several alumni and recent post-secondary graduates reported the termination of their employment contracts. Job prospects are weak and uncertain as employers are wary of adding staff after experiencing multiple national shutdowns and reopenings over the past year.

Scare of a fourth wave of shutdowns in July looms. As long as the vast majority of the population is unvaccinated, the economy is at risk, and employers will try to do more with fewer employees. One fortunate alumnus remains employed as a barista. But with half of the staff cut at the company, he’s doing double shifts. NRCF alumni team members continue to do what they can to retain relationships with employers for potential job openings. But new graduates are admittedly unclear and uncertain about what the future holds.

NRCF is pleased to report that its students or immediate family members experienced no direct cases of COVID-19 despite these challenges. The organization continues to strictly adhere to and enforce government health and safety guidelines among its staff and students.

For a complete audio version of an interview with Kelvin, on which this article is based, please visit the Illumini Podcast, Episode 18.