From Reporting Day to Graduation – Daraja Sisters Stick Together

Family Trees Provide Comfort and Learning Opportunities

When a new Daraja girl arrives on reporting day, it is a big change in her life. It is one of happiest days of her life, but also an overwhelming one. Thankfully, the first person to welcome her to campus is her new big sister. Each new student is part of a family with three big sisters from From Two-Four. Reporting girls have said the most helpful thing on the first day is having a sister they know is watching out for them. The connection the sisters make is an immensely valuable one. Sisters look to each other for advice, and big sisters know they need to set an example for their little sisters, who look up to them.

According to Form Two Carla, “in a family, girls are more open to each other,” because they truly feel like a family and trust their sisters as if they were truly related. Carla’s little sister is Form One Alice and her big sisters are Form Three Irene and Form Four Esther. Irene says she really looks up to Esther and cherishes her advice. Together the four girls have done numerous activities such as planting trees around campus, having family meals, and helping each other during study hall. The girls also stay in the same dorm and are always available to each other for advice. In addition, the girls see their family as an educational opportunity where the sisters learn about each others family, tribe, and home. With 31 tribes and numerous religions represented at Daraja, each girl has her own unique experiences from home to share with other students.