Transition

The concept for the Transition Program developed in reaction to the long “gap” in the Kenyan academic calendar between the national exam results and college/university matriculation. We decided to use this time by extending our curriculum for graduating students, ensuring that every Daraja girl could be as prepared as possible for higher education, career, and adult life.

The length of the programming varies according to the Kenyan academic calendar, but typically lasts between three and five months, commencing soon after students finish their K.C.S.E. exams. The Transition Program allows students to learn life skills in both a classroom and practical environment.

Transitioners stay on campus, giving them additional time to strengthen relationships with each other and their teachers. The primary focus of their new course load is building up their career and life skills. Class topics include:

• Career Exploration
• Computer Skills
• Personal Finance
• Community Leadership
• Home Economics
• Integrity & Ethics
• Business Skills
• Citizen Responsibilities

To put their new skills to practice, girls spend a significant portion of Transition in community service, internships, and entrepreneurship training.

Community Service

Transitioners volunteer in similar, or even the same, projects they devoted so many hours to in secondary school. During the 2016 program, more than 3,000 individuals indirectly benefited from community service projects performed by Transitioners from Daraja. Projects included conducting workshops for primary school girls on feminine hygiene, reproductive health, and the dangers of FGM (Female Genital mutilation.)

Internships

Every Transitioner is required to undertake an internship. In the past, students have worked at various businesses, non-profit organizations, research centers, and local schools. Through internships, girls learn valuable work skills, build up their resumes, and insert themselves into positions of responsibility in their communities. Daraja has consistently received stellar feedback from the girls’ employers about their performances.

Entrepreneurship

Students also gain practical business knowledge. Transitioners prepare and present business plans to an audience that includes college students, entrepreneurs, county assemblymen, NGO representatives, and other community members. After Daraja, several Alumni have supplemented their income by helping other aspiring entrepreneurs write their business plans.