Student Selection & New Form 1’s

The Student Selection Process

This year, out of 412 applicants, approximately 150 girls were selected to interview for a spot at Daraja. Over multiple weeks, Daraja’s founder, Jason Doherty, Daraja’s business manager, Helen Ngunjiri, Daraja’s head of school, Victoria Gichuhi, and a few other rotating team members, traveled across Kenya to meet, listen, and understand the Daraja candidates’ stories: to hear firsthand why they deserve to have a chance at a lifetime of learning. 

Each and every girl demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, a desire to be a lifelong learner, and a capacity for joy and optimism.

Tabitha remained poised through every tear as she told her story. After her mom left when she was little, her dad started drinking. “He started beating us, torturing us. I can’t count how many times he had sent us out of the house to sleep in the bushes.” Despite her circumstances, she was a class prefect (an elected class leader) and top academic performer at her primary school.

Like many of the girls that interviewed, Mercy was often sent home from school for lacking money for school fees. “Some people are learning. And you, you’re at home,” she said with sadness. That is why Mercy would hide in the bathroom until the teacher left the room so she could sneak back into class to continue her studies.

Najma lived with her father, who had an “incurable disease,” for the majority of her life. Her mom passed away a few years ago, and while Najma never mentioned HIV, it is likely that her father was responsible for infecting her mom with the disease. She continued to share that her father raped her older sister and attempted to sexually assault her too. Thankfully, due to her strength and courage, she escaped and fled to a neighbor’s home, where she lived until her father died.

Tabitha, Mercy, Najma and all the incredible girls that interviewed shared story after story about unimaginable struggles and unfair situations that no human being should ever have to endure. While every girl made an impact on the interview committee, only 36 girls received a life-changing phone call instructing them to report to campus on August 12th to join Daraja’s 13th class. The girls who study here will be the ones to elevate their families, impact their communities and change the systems that oppress girls and women across the world. 

*In some cases, the girls’ names have been changed to protect their anonymity.*

Click here to be in the room with Faith and Tabitha during their brave interview.

Our New Form 1’s

On Thursday, August 12th, 36 new girls arrived at Daraja. COVID protocols prevented the current students from welcoming the new Form 1’s with hugs, but that did not stop singing and laughter from filling the air. New students, accompanied by a guardian, received their navy, light blue and grey uniforms, brand new shoes, a mattress all to themselves and school supplies to get them through the term. They introduced themselves to their bunk-mates, learned how to knot their ties, and shared their first meal as sisters. With giant smiles, there was no question that these girls were thankful to be in their new home. 

Over the weekend, the new Form 1’s met with teachers, staff and older students to learn the ropes of Daraja. They learned and practiced singing the Daraja anthem, reviewed Daraja’s four pillars and learned about their school family trees. Their classes started on August 16th and they have been deeply engaged in learning new material ever since. 

The Class of 2024 made Daraja history as the largest class yet! We are so thankful that we were able to accept 36 students for the first time ever but know that we cannot do it alone. These girls will continue to need support and supplies over their four years at Daraja. Thank you for your ongoing support.