Daraja Opens New Science Lab: Sponsored by Royal Dutch Shell

On September 26, 2017, the Daraja Academy’s brand-new science laboratory was unveiled. The event  was attended by BG Kenya and BG Tanzania (subsidiaries of Royal Dutch Shell), who made this project possible. Daraja received funding in 2016 from BG Kenya in order to construct the science laboratory, which will allow students to explore their affinity for science and research in a well-equipped facility.

Daraja Academy co-founder Jason Doherty commented that “Royal Dutch Shell is the seventh largest company in the world, and it is amazing that they chose Daraja. This collaboration helps to ensure that all Daraja girls are encouraged to pursue science-related careers, should they choose so.”

As a GravityLight legacy project, the science lab is powered by renewable energy. Shell supports the GravityLight Foundation’s mission to bring renewable light sources to those without electricity access. GravityLight is an innovative device that generates light using the lift of a weight. More information can be found at www.gravitylight.org.

“We are truly humbled by this gift. The depth of our gratitude is immeasurable. This is the first time our students will take their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in a laboratory setting, so this is very exciting for us as well as the students,” says Jenni Doherty, Daraja Academy co-founder.

Construction on the lab began in March 2017, and it was finished just days before the opening ceremony in September.

Shell officials visited the Daraja campus four times over the course of the laboratory project, including Brian Muriuki (Country Manager, Kenya), Grace Kamau (Office Manager, Kenya) as well as Daniel Muasya (Finance, BG Tanzania). They all attended the lab opening, and Mr. Muriuki addressed the students, emphasizing that “integrity is the most important thing in the world, and this is what you are taught here.” His inspirational words were well received by Daraja’s students, and it was powerful for each girl to hear strong support for their studies from the country manager of such a successful organization.  

Principal Victoria Gichuhi asked the room of 115 Daraja Academy students whether they wanted to be in science-related careers when they grow up. An astounding seventy-five percent of the students raised their hands. With encouragement from Daraja staff and support provided by organizations like Royal Dutch Shell, there is nothing stopping these young women from realizing their career aspirations.