ABOUT
Empowering children in Naivasha, Kenya through education, care, and community support.
Founded in 2003 by Daniel Ngugi and his family, Monica Memorial Community-Based Organisation began as a grassroots initiative to support vulnerable children in Naivasha, Kenya. Originally known as Monica Memorial Development Center, the organisation has grown to provide early education, daily meals, and a safe space for over 70 children, many of whom are orphans or come from highly challenging backgrounds.
WHAT WE DO
Education: We teach children aged 3–12 across six class levels (Kindergarten to Grade 3), delivering over 700 classroom hours per month.
Nutrition: Each child receives two nutritious meals daily, around 3,000 meals served monthly.
Care & Support: We offer a stable, nurturing environment and follow up on our students’ progress as they move into public schools.
Community Roots: Our team of volunteers and educators work locally and are committed to building resilience in the community.
VOLOUNTEER
WITH US
Make a real impact by helping with teaching, cooking, playing, or supporting wherever you’re needed, flexible, meaningful, and hands-on.
What makes this experience unique?
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Empower children directly through education and daily care.
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Immerse yourself in everyday life in a warm Kenyan community.
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Enjoy freedom to help where your strengths and interests lie.
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Witness your impact every single day.
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Grow through cultural exchange and shared purpose.
A typical day:
Start your day assisting in class or leading activities, help with lunch prep, spend the afternoon playing or helping improve the space, no two days are the same.
Arrival & Start Dates:
Flexible start dates. Fly into Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi), then take public transport or rent a car to Naivasha, we’ll help coordinate your arrival.
SPONSOR A CHILD
For just €275 per year, you can give a child access to meals, education, and hope for the future. Sponsorship covers food, learning materials, and essential support.
HISTORY
In 2003, Kenya introduced free and compulsory primary education. However, many children never made it to school, some lacked school uniforms, supplies, or transport, while others lived in such poverty that even getting up early or walking to class was impossible.
Daniel Ngugi, a retired government worker, saw children wandering the streets of his hometown, Naivasha, instead of attending school. Moved by their situation, he and his wife began a small project from a rented room near their home, personally teaching and feeding 10 children. He named the initiative the Monica Memorial Development Center in memory of his late mother, Monica.
Over the years, this simple act of compassion grew into a full community-based organisation. Today, MMCBO supports 77 children (2024) with structured education (Kindergarten to Grade 3), two meals a day, emotional care, and follow-up after they transition to public schools. All staff work voluntarily, including 7 teachers, 1 substitute, support staff, and a night guard. Classes are held in a permanent building on land owned by the organisation.
Despite inflation and rising costs, the organisation continues to serve the community thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers from around the world.