School Outreach Program for Mentorship, Guidance, and Counseling

The School Outreach Program is designed to provide holistic support for students through mentorship, counseling, and value-based guidance across learning institutions. Kenya faces a troubling education crisis, with nearly one-third (35%) of secondary students dropping out before completing school, often due to early pregnancy, lack of fees, or poor academic performance (nation.africa). Early pregnancy is a significant factor: nearly 98% of adolescent girls who become mothers by age 18 leave school, accounting for approximately 13,000 unplanned pregnancies annually (nation.africa). Substance abuse is another major issue; around 9.9% of adolescents (15–19) report using alcohol, 3% cigarettes, 1.5% khat, and 0.9% cannabis, with widespread truancy and behavior problems linked to drug use (standardmedia.co.ke). Academically, many pupils struggle; Uwezo Kenya found that 85% of Standard 2 students cannot read a paragraph in English, 79% cannot read Swahili, and 30% cannot perform simple subtraction, reflecting weak foundational learning (en.wikipedia.org). These overlapping challenges; dropout, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and poor literacy; underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions in mentorship, reproductive health, mental wellness, and academic support.

In many parts of Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru, etc. students experience challenges such as peer pressure, depression, lack of direction, bullying, and family neglect, which often manifest in poor academic performance or dropout, early pregnancies, drug and substance abuse among other challenges. NeGI will partner with local schools, county education offices, and religious organizations to initiate structured outreach activities that include motivational speaking, career guidance, emotional support, and peer mentoring. Through trained volunteers, life coaches, and professionals, NeGI will establish Mentorship Clubs in each partnered school, which will serve as consistent touchpoints for emotional growth and personal development. Club sessions will include goal setting, talent discovery, civic responsibility, life skills training, and academic support. Special attention will be given to boarding school populations and vulnerable learners in informal schools. This program is expected to foster purpose-driven learners, reduce school-related anxiety, and nurture a generation of responsible, ethical, and visionary youth.