Since Daraja’s first graduation ceremony in August, our graduates have dispersed themselves throughout the country, each with a separate journey. Some graduates have been volunteering before their January report date for University attendance, some have already started their University classes or are starting in January, some have been teaching, some have found jobs with banks and stores, and some have been joining trade schools.

Because, at Daraja, we always say “see you later,” and never “goodbye,” we’ve been excited to catch up with our graduates to see what impacts they are already making in their communities, just a few months after graduation. Leila Ali, from Isiolo, has already begun her classes at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

To start her Bachelor of Science degree, Leila reported at school in Nairobi in September, just a few days following the graduation ceremony. Like Daraja, Leila explains that University is filled with students from different areas and schools throughout Kenya.

When asked about her experience at University thus far, Leila explains, “I am taking nine class currently including Mathematics, advanced Biology, Chemistry, and more. The subjects are challenging but I am doing my best and I am working very hard!”

In the next few months, Leila will make the big decision about what to major in. Between classes, she’s busy contemplating her options, “I am choosing between Microbiology, Bio technology, and ecology. I just can’t decide!”

During the Transition Program, Leila conducted her internship on Daraja’s campus alongside Martin, our IT specialist. She quickly became versed in how to restore the solar power and wifi when it dropped, and she was the go-to resource for computer troubleshooting with teachers, volunteers, and staff.

Leila explains that although she really loves campus life at University, she really misses Daraja’s campus. “I miss my friends so much,” she reports, “especially those that live far from Nairobi. I also miss Mr. D and Miss Jenni [co-founders of Daraja Academy] and all of my teachers.”

Leila has carried the lessons she learned at Daraja with her to University, and frequently talks to her new friends about Daraja’s WISH (Women of Integrity, Strength, and Hope) class and the power of girls- or in her case- young women.

In a recent article published by Marin News, the local newsletter of San Rafael, CA, the hometown of Daraja’s founders, co-founder Jason explained that he could see girls like Leila as future parliament members and politicians in Kenya, if not a future president.