Winter 2025 Gazeti: The Class of 2020, Five Years On
Five years after they graduated, the Winter 2025 Gazeti checks in on the Class of 2020 and on the supporters who made their journeys possible. “I believe that change begins with one person who dares to dream,” writes Lilian, a current Daraja student on the cover, “and through collective effort, we can build a world where everyone dares to fly.”
Juster, now in medical school
One of five children raised by a single mother, Juster finished 8th grade expecting to stay home and help at her mother’s kiosk. A former teacher handed her a Daraja application instead. She became a Scout, graduated as valedictorian, and today studies Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nairobi, the first Daraja girl to reach medical school. She still leads menstrual and hygiene health talks and joins medical camps. “Daraja transformed me. Over five years, it turned a shy, naive girl into a confident and empowered young woman.”
Margaret, first in her family at university
Margaret grew up in Timau, Laikipia County, fetching water from the dam and studying without electricity, often afraid her education would end. She became the first in her family to attend university, earning a degree in Laboratory Science and Technology at Kisii University. Alongside her studies she taught hygiene in schools and children’s homes, grew a small beauty shop that now supports other women on campus, and mentors Form 4 Daraja girls preparing for university.
Christine, from West Pokot to CEO
Christine was born in a county where FGM and early arranged marriages remain common, into a family where girls’ education was rarely valued. At Daraja she joined student council and found her footing as an activist. She is the first in her family to earn a degree, serves as CEO of Oral Health at Mashinani, and is completing her internship toward a dental license. Her plan: a dental clinic, and a community library so students at home can reach what she reached. “Daraja gave me the chance to change my story and now I’m helping others do the same.”
Where do changemakers come from? As the issue puts it: urban slums, rural villages and so many towns across Kenya, each one a starting point.
