On Friday, March 22, Daraja welcomed its newest and fifth freshman class (called Form 1s in Kenya). This is possibly Daraja’s most diverse class yet. Here are some facts about these 26 new students:

  • They range in age from 13 to 19
  • Some come from regions not yet represented by any of Daraja’s students, including Baringo, Narok, Kiambu, and Sololo
  • They represent at least nine or ten different tribes
  • Half are from single parents, and five are orphaned

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Midmorning on Friday, the new students began arriving, carrying the few luggage they had and (some were) accompanied by family or guardians. Seasoned Forms 2-4s ran eagerly to the gate and greeted the new girls with big hugs and smiles. Teachers took attendance; then, the girls met their “families” – the Form 1s are the younger sisters, Form 2s are the older sisters, Form 3s are the aunties, and Form 4s are the “shoshos” (grandmothers). Therefore, every new Daraja has a group of three seasoned Daraja girls who welcome her into their community and show her the ropes.

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As the Form 1s toured campus with their big sisters, the aunties (Form 3s) gave campus tours to Form 1s’ families. Then, Form 1s DSC_0049and their families/guardians gathered with Daraja staff to learn about school. After the meeting, the new girls said bye to their families, who left, some tearful but all happy. They then enjoyed a weekend of “getting-to-know-you” activities; on Saturday, for example, the whole school gathered to play improv games, watch movies, and dance. Then, on Sunday, the older girls took the new girls on a walk nearby campus and the group could be heard singing songs of worship as they perused the land.

Purity, a 14-year-old Form 1 from Kiambu, is reserved but polite. Three days after her arrival she says she’s happy to be here. “I like Daraja very much,” she

Playing improv games

Playing improv games

said. Her favorite part so far? Meeting her big sister, auntie, and shosho, and walking down to the river with the older Daraja girls on Sunday. It’s hard to say who’s more grateful for their arrival – the new students themselves, or Daraja’s staff and family abroad. Welcome to campus, girls!