Our philosophy derives from three elements: Educational Excellence, Market Orientation and Communal Bond

Our motivation is to offer the best training program for office assistants to young and underprivileged women in Ethiopia. By giving them a viable perspective for the future we are enabling them to make a difference for the whole of Ethiopia. The high-quality education students receive involves complete transparency and individual guidance. The training is designed for excellence under application of the Ethiopian Occupational Standard (EOS) ETQF Level IV. Although the college was accredited according to that standard by the Ethiopian National TVET Agency, the ambitous curriculum far exceeds the EOS. Students at NLCC are mostly orphans or socially deprived young women. Once they have reached the 10th grade at high school they have often no prospects for further education. Especially for young women this inevitably means that they are forced to work as servants or even as prostitutes. As a consequence of strong cooperation between NLCC and orphanages as well as “child care programs” the fatal cycle of poverty is immediately interrupted since NLCC graduates are trained to earn their own living. This also means that the training program will reduce prostitution, HIV and an ever increasing number of orphans in Ethiopia.  

In 2007-2009 several surveys have proven that highly skilled executive office assistants are strongly requested by the Ethiopian labor market. It is in this sense that NLCC strives to establish a strong liaison with the private sector. Immediately following the first year students will be given the opportunity to gain practical experience by means of an internship. Moreover, the curriculum is designed in such a way that from the second year onwards 50% of the training program will take place at partner companies in Addis Ababa. This strong focus on practical know-how allows for various crucial advantages. Students gain an insight into national and international companies and businesses. Furthermore, they develop soft skills such as communication or business etiquette. Most importantly, in contrast to other common secretaries practically skilled NLCC graduates are an asset for any company right from the beginning of their employment.

Once the students graduate, they will be assisted by NLCC to find their first employment. In doing so NLCC’s Career Service does its best to make use of its strong business network.

NLCC’s philosophy can be further described as market orientated as by 2014 all its funds will be raised in Ethiopia. It is our goal that not only NLCC graduates profit from NLCC’s business network but also national and international companies since the companies have the opportunity to employ a trainee of NLCC.

The strengthening of the community in the broadest sense is fourfold.
Firstly, the Ethiopian cultural identity will be strengthened.The girls will be given the opportunity to explore the history and civilization of their country, thus gaining a new awareness of their cultural identity. We feel it is important to cultivate the girls' identification with their country if we are to prevent "brain drain" to other countries. Therefore every year NLCC organizes a journey through Ethiopia to get into touch with the rich national heritage. In this sense NLCC could be helpful to overcome some animosities and hostilities that still prevail between Ethiopian tribes.
Secondly, the Ethiopian economy will be strengthened. Intensive training as office assistants focusing on computer competence, fluency in English, and practical ability will ensure an above-average income for all graduates.
Thirdly, the role of Ethiopian women will be strengthened. Through its work NLCC can strengthen the role of women in Ethiopia's strongly patriarchal society. Financial independence achieved by means of a well-paid job is the best prerequisite.
Finally, NLCC’s own community will be strengthened. Alumnae (i.e. former students) are expected to participate as teachers in training programs of future classes at NLCC. This guarantees that new students can take advantage of the acquired know-how of graduates of NLCC.