WISH to Empowerment

By Jessica Bundage

As I settle into life at Daraja, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know some of the staff members who make this school so special. One of these individuals is Teacher Carol, who was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to talk to me about her journey to Daraja, and why she is so passionate about our WISH (Women of Integrity, Strength & Hope) and Transition programs.  

Carol is originally from Nanyuki. She taught at a variety of public and private schools before taking a position at Daraja in 2010 to teach English and Geography. She proceeded to play a fundamental role in designing the supplementary programs that make Daraja unique. Carol, the Founders, and other Daraja teachers saw a gap in the Kenyan secondary education system: students graduated secondary school with academic knowledge, but lacked the practical skills necessary to join society as empowered young women ready to work. Together, they designed the Transition and WISH programs to bridge this gap.

Transition is a “gap-year” program that takes places after the regular 4-year secondary program. It teaches career development and entrepreneurship, and provides girls with the skillsets necessary to succeed in today’s workforce. Transition has been very popular, but most of the girls (myself included) agree that their favorite part of Daraja is WISH. WISH is a mandatory, 4-year course that the Daraja girls take during both the regular school calendar and during the Transition program. During WISH classes, girls learn about different aspects of female empowerment, and how to appreciate themselves and what they are capable of. Amongst other topics, students learn about Identity in Form 1; Sex Education in Form 2; Leadership in Form 3; and Human Rights, particularly the rights they have as young women, in Form 4.

In talking to some of the girls about WISH, a common theme that emerged was the confidence they gained from the program. Margaret (Form 1) describes WISH as her favorite class, and would love if every class could be a WISH lesson. Abdia (Form 4) credits WISH with giving her confidence and openness. Brenda (Form 2) and Patricia (Form 3) say that WISH gave them the courage to be leaders in their communities.

Carol sums the merits of WISH best: “Girls learn to fear their own empowerment the most.” Because nothing is more powerful and intimidating than a young woman who has realized her full capabilities.