Grassroots Girls Club produces an income-generating venture in partnership with local NGO

How can you help your local community? The Grassroots Girls Club at Daraja posed that question to themselves, and came up with a fun, innovative program that would do just that. The Grassroots Girls partnered with MS Kenya to teach tribal dancing in exchange for a fee, the proceeds of which would go to the Mara Moja village. “The women from the Mara Moja village are not able to make enough money to support their families on just their egg sales alone,” said Teddy, Form 3. “From our dance instruction with MS, we are able to provide the women with funding for chickens, cages, and others items they might need in order to maintain their small businesses.”

Teddy joined the Grassroots Club to learn how to make a difference from within the roots of local communities. With the hopes of one day becoming a legislator, she cites the Grassroots Girls club as an effective tool for learning about democracy and leadership.

The Girls of Daraja Teach Massai Dancing

Though the dance instruction is typically a combination of several different tribes and cultures, recently the Daraja girls facilitated an introduction to Massai dancing for Danish visitors on campus. Step-by-step, song-by-song, the Danes followed along as the Daraja girls led them through integral parts of their culture.

“Today we taught the Danish group something we love to do, dance!” said Lillian, Form 3, with a smile. “We enjoy and appreciate being able to present our culture.”

When the Massai instruction ended, the Danes had a chance to return the favor by teaching the Daraja girls a song and dance popular in Denmark. Lillian, reflecting on why this activity was an important exchange, said, “It is important that tribes and cultures mingle, talk and share with one another so we can all improve our knowledge and acceptance of people who may be different than us.”

The Bigger Picture

The Daraja Academy offers a unique cultural experience. Not all high schools can boast of a cultural, religious and language diversity quite as rich. Tribal conflict in Kenya is not uncommon, but at Daraja, the girls learn to embrace their own identities and respect the differences between themselves and their school mates. With an astounding 24 tribes represented on one campus, the girls are encouraged to participate in unifying activities that celebrate their unique backgrounds.