Support Programs
NTS has developed support programs that address professional development, mental and physical health, nutrition, and literacy.
Menu
NTS has developed support programs that address professional development, mental and physical health, nutrition, and literacy.
However, in poor regions where schools are overcrowded (often upwards of 45 children in a room), English is not a priority. These children do not acquire language skills to compete in business. NTS is changing that by providing our students with a rich ESL language program.
Thanks to our partnership with US-based Intercambio, NTS has a 3-year English language program adapted to Kenyan learners. Students have formal classes using 12 workbooks, complementary recordings to improve their listening and spoken skills, and flashcards for home study.
Marifiki means “friend” in English. In 2020, NTS launched a penpal program that pairs our students with U.S. high school students. They exchange letters and videos twice monthly. For many NTS students, this is their first contact with a peer outside of Kenya. It’s also a chance to practice both written and spoken English, and to learn about another culture.
In a region where food insecurity is common, it’s important that our students (and staff) are well-nourished, so they are alert and ready to learn. Everyone is served a well-balanced 2,000 calorie diet, receiving the daily nutrition and calories necessary to grow healthy bodies and minds. In many cases, without our school meals, our students go hungry.
We also provide nutrition lessons, so students learn to create healthy food combinations and how to buy and prepare locally affordable foods. Food education is a long-term investment in healthy families.
With poverty comes trauma. NTS provides staff-led counseling. Students meet with teachers to discuss issues impacting their life. Ongoing counseling is being provided as-needed.
Families also need support. We are working to expand our family programs and crisis resources.
NTS is building a female empowerment program to support the complex needs of our young women. Our goal is to build a generation of educated, financially independent, and positively resilient women.
Our students have limited access to electricity in their homes and communication with the outside world is typically limited to a battery-operated radio. Most NTS students have never used a computer. Yet basic computer skills are required for any modern job.
In NTS’ small computer lab, students take turns learning computer skills, including typing, email literacy, safely navigating the internet, and the Microsoft Suite. In 2019, a team of four NTS students won a regional trade competition for their Powerpoint design skills.
Our daily sports hour is a highlight. For our students, who often have work and household responsibilities before and after school, this may be the only time they have to play.
Thanks to the volunteer work of a sports professional, we have developed a sports and exercise program that includes students’ favorite sports such as volleyball and football (American soccer).