Tomorrow morning at 8 AM sharp, fourth-year Daraja Academy students will sharpen their pencils and squirm in their seats as they begin the test that they’ve been working towards for four years: the K.C.S.E.

The K.C.S.E. stands for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, and it is an exam taken at the completion of secondary school. The exam covers seven subjects for each student: English, Swahili, Mathematics, at least two sciences, one subject in the humanities, and one practical or technical subject.

All over Kenya, students are preparing to take their KCSE exam. At Daraja, the test will be administered over the course of three weeks, with some days being longer testing days than others. Before the test begins, schools around the country host a day celebration where the community comes together to show their support. Because of Kenya’s religious nature, the celebration is called “Prayer Day.”

On Saturday, staff, teachers, administrators, community members, and families of students gathered under the trees near Daraja’s garden for Prayer Day. After welcoming remarks from Daraja teachers, Dean of Curriculum Charles shared some words of encouragement to the students: “I sincerely believe that you will do your best. Believe in your abilities and refuse to be discouraged. Keep your mind filled with thoughts of determination and hope.”

Pascalina, a fourth year student, helped her family take their seats as the program began.

Pascalina, a fourth year student, helped her family take their seats as the program began.

Next, the fourth year students shared three songs with the crowd with reassuring lyrics like “I know you can make it,” and “just keep on trying.” Lisayo’s Mother, a parent to one of the fourth year students, spoke on behalf of the girls’ families and wished them luck.

Then, a guest to Daraja’s campus took to the podium to share some wisdom to the girls. Reflecting on the song they shared he remarked, “I’ve never seen hope before like the hope I can see in your eyes. You’re here because there is something special about you. I am looking at the faces of bright futures.”

Guest speakers spoke with enthusiasm to the fourth year students.

Guest speakers spoke with enthusiasm to the fourth year students.

Playing on the meaning of the word “daraja” meaning bridge in Swahili, he continued, “For four years you’ve been walking on this bridge for quite some time, your feet are very strong. You must believe that you will make it to the other side because you will. And when you will, I know you will lay down another ‘daraja’ for someone else.”

To engage the students, he had them repeat the words “I am special” and “I am making it,” proudly to the group. To wrap up, he stated, “This is the group that is going to make history in this country. I will see you all one day as mighty women transforming your world and I will say: I knew them.”

Following a second guest speaker who advised the Daraja girls to stay focused and calm, guests ate lunch on campus and hugged goodbye to their students. Mercy, a fourth year student and K.C.S.E. candidate remarked, “I was so happy to see my family. The day made me feel very supported and actually a little bit excited.”

Anastasia, whose family could not make it to campus on Saturday, reported, “Even though my family could not come, Daraja makes me feel confident. I had a lot of fun.”