As part of the third portion of the Transition Program, transition students participated in an activity entitled Daraja Quest over the course of the weekend starting on August 9.

Mark Stefanski, a board member for Daraja, visited campus and collaborated with Carol, the head of the Transition Program for this activity.

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The objective of the Daraja Quest was to get the girls thinking about who they are in order to plan and set goals for their future. “The girls take a journey inward, in order to help guide the outward journey that they are facing,” explained Mark.

There were three phases to this quest: first was the preparation for separation. Each student prepared for the next phase by reflecting on how they feel in their life currently and recognizing their own merits and skills. One exercise during this portion was to find an object in nature that represents who a student is in this stage of her life. Faith chose an unripe fruit, and explained that the ripening is comparable to her life journey. She went on to describe she is the fruit of her family and the seeds inside symbolize the inspiration and knowledge that she has planted in her life during her time at Daraja.

The next phase of the quest was alone time. Each girl found a place that they enjoyed outdoors where they spent 3 hours alone, continuing this inward journey. Girls chose spots such as a bench under a tree, the football (soccer) field, among tall grasses near the classrooms on campus, and more. During these three hours, girls had time to focus on questions such as “Who am I?” and “Where do I want to go after Daraja?” and most notably, “What are my hopes and fears about graduating from Daraja Academy?”

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After three hours, girls completed the last phase of the quest, the return. The return phase was an opportunity for the girls to share their experience and insights from alone time. This was important to cultivate the community among our soon-to-be graduates as they are making their own personal journeys.

The Daraja Quest activity is important for girls to begin to prepare for their departure from Daraja. It provides ample time for girls to reflect on their personal identity, values, passions and interests.

“I’ve watched the girls begin to realize that they have the ability to make decisions for themselves. They have the power to create their future,” reflects Carol.

Next stop: Graduation Day!