What It Means to Go Home

Walking through Nairobi’s Kibera Slum; the home of many Daraja girls over the years.

Thanks to YOU, Daraja students are safe and well-fed at school. At home, that’s not always the case.

Two weeks ago, the school term ended in Kenya. Daraja Academy is a boarding school, so students live on campus during the term and go home during breaks. Of course, the girls LOVE going home. They get to take a break from school and see family and friends. But sometimes going home means facing gender inequality. Sometimes it means living in dangerous circumstances. Sometimes it means going without food.

Carrying Daraja with Them

A Daraja student and her family in front of their rural home.

At school, Daraja girls are taught to speak up for themselves. They are trained to say no if propositioned, to seek help if there is violence, and to stand up for others.

During the break, each of the girls will complete 10 hours of community service. People in their villages are usually shocked to see teenagers helping the community. Daraja students prove to everyone that girls belong in school and that females can be leaders

When girls are at home, we stay closely connected through a network of social workers, counselors, and teachers. If there is a concern about safety or if the family has no food, Daraja steps in to help. We also conduct regular trainings with parents and guardians to help families succeed together. Even during Covid lockdowns, over 70 families in some of the most rural parts of Kenya attended Zoom trainings!

Ready for the Future

Right now, Daraja seniors (Form 4’s) are still at school finishing the KCSE—a grueling national exam that lasts for weeks. The results of this test will determine their college and career options.

AND THE GIRLS ARE READY! Because of YOU Daraja girls had access to remote learning during 2020. This is a miracle for girls that live in homes without running water or electricity. You have given them the tools to succeed.

Kenya continues to experience the drastic effects of Covid-19, but right now Daraja girls are experiencing a lot of gratitude. Thank you for being on the Daraja team!

PS.
If you like being on the Daraja team, you’re going to LOVE next month’s Race for Daraja. It’s a chance for you and a Daraja student to work together as partners—racing for girls education. More info coming soon!