Daraja

I had the distinct honor of being in the company of 104 girls at Daraja Academy during the last two days.  Daraja  ('Bridge' in Kiswahili)  was started by Jason and Jenni, a young American couple who set out to realize their dream of opening a boarding school in Kenya,  for underprivileged girls.   They connected with a representative of the Baraka School in Nanyuki, which had been created for adolescent boys from the inner city of Baltimore.  Baraka had been seeking a non-profit to take over the property for four years, but couldn't find the right fit.   The same day management was ready to demolish the campus, Jason and Jenni called the owner of the school and proceeded to meet in a hotel lobby in Nairobi, where they sealed the deal to purchase the property, with a simple handshake.  In 2009,  they opened the doors of Daraja with 26 girls.  In 3 short years, enrollment has swelled to 104, and they have reached capacity.

Today, Daraja is one of the few free secondary boarding schools for girls in Kenya.  Most of the girls are orphans, victims of AIDS and victims of domestic and sexual abuse;  all come from destitute environments.  If a child comes from a home where food is put on the table at night, she is disqualified as a candidate.

I have never been in the company of such a select group of brilliant and thoroughly impressive individuals.  Each girl possesses strength of leadership, intellect and intense drive to succeed.  There are 42 tribes in Kenya;  Daraja feels it is critical to 'create connections and friendships'  between these tribes   - consequently, they currently represent 18 different tribes, and 3 different religions.

Nagolie has 15 girls.  Two of them already attend a boarding school in Kikuyu Town, 1 hour from Nagolie.  I spoke at length with Jason about the possibility of one of my girls attending this school.  While no promises were made, when the time comes, I have two girls in mind who I believe will fit the criteria for admission.  Time will tell, but after visiting this magnificent school, I am excited, encouraged and driven to see to it that at least one of my girls be given this wonderful opportunity.

Huge thanks go to Carr for opening my eyes to Daraja.  It was a privilege to be exposed to this wonderful school, and to learn so much about this innovative educational model for girls.  I will be returning here on my next trip to Kenya, for sure...  there is so much to learn..

On the way to Nanyuki:

Camels in Kenya?  Who knew!

Daraja Academy

For now, kwaheri.  I'll be back to Nagolie on Sunday night.....

With love,

Simmie and Moreen