Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Let’s get it started…Daraja Clubs 2010!

It’s that time of the year, family! As schools begin to re-open in the US and abroad, we would love your help in launching Daraja Clubs 2010…

Through Daraja’s short time operating, we’ve learned that passionate students abroad are the best advocates for the passionate students at Daraja. Student advocates around the world helped fund many of our start-up costs. Without them, Daraja simply wouldn’t be here today.

If you are an interested student, teacher, parent or active community member, let’s get your school connected to the Daraja cause. And if you have a friend that is a teacher, student, parent or active community member, then please pass on this message and let’s get them involved! The more people we have spreading the word about the school, the stronger this organization gets. And the stronger Daraja gets, the more girls we can educate.

Our hope is to get youth ranging from elementary school to college levels involved. Students from all ages and all walks of life can make a tremendous impact on Daraja through their work.  Not only does it educate kids about another way of living in the world, it shows students at a young age that they have the power to truly make a difference.

If you’ve got that fire in you to do something, then get started! Ways to help…

Start a Daraja Club: Daraja clubs have shined as students from around the world have learned about the struggle for girls education and worked actively to fundraise for this academy. Clubs have raised money by throwing a benefit, selling products or partnering with local businesses. This year, get a Daraja club started at a school (or schools)!

“Dimes for Daraja”: Spare change can make a huge difference and this is a fantastic way for our younger advocates to get involved. After learning about the Daraja girls, kids can begin a coin drive where they get their parents, neighbors and friends involved.

Throw an event: Get together with peers to organize an event to raise awareness or to fundraise for a certain Daraja need. Past events include presenting personal Daraja volunteer experiences or fundraising for a certain need (student’s school fees for a year, water tanks, laptops, teacher’s salary…)

The possibilities are truly endless and we encourage students to think of creative ways to help. If you’ve thought of an exciting way to help, GO FOR IT! And let us know so that we can post it on the blog and encourage others to follow your lead. If you would like more information including a “How to Start a Daraja Club” brochure, fundraising material, or to submit questions/ideas, please e-mail paria@daraja-academy.org.

Tags: , ,
Filed under Donations, News, Students, daraja : Comments (0) : Aug 31st, 2010

“The Earth & Me” Seminar: Huge Success!

“The Earth & Me”

Over their break, the Daraja students were invited for an optional two-day seminar called “The Earth & Me” held on August 21st-23rd. The goal of the seminar was to help facilitate conversation and thought concerning the very important and at times tenuous relationship that people share with the land around them.

We held our breath, as this was the first optional seminar Daraja Academy has hosted over break. We weren’t sure if anyone would show up!

The result: half the school arrived and the enthusiasm and dedication of the girls was awe-inspiring. Their questions and answers showed that they were absorbing the lessons and that they were thinking about what they were learning.

The “Earth & Me” schedule included learning the importance of compost, debating new environmental policies proposed in the freshly approved constitution, listening to presentations by researchers from the nearby Mpala Research Center, planting over twenty trees in the nearby community, just to name a few.

The girls arrived as students but they left as conservationists. The relationship between people and the environment became clearer, as did the personal and communal responsibilities humans have to protect the environment. It was a very, very powerful weekend.

To see a full timeline of events with pictures and stories, check out our “Earth & Me” photo gallery…

To get a glimpse of the dialogue that occurred throughout the weekend, read below…

The New Constitution and the Environment: 10% Tree Cover

The purpose of this portion of the program was to investigate the relationship in the new Kenyan constitution between the country, people and environment. Article 69.1 (b) of the new constitution asserts that as a country Kenya will work toward at least 10% tree cover in five years.

Article 69.1 (b)

“…work to achieve and maintain a tree cover of at least ten per cent of the land area in Kenya…”

Students were asked whether this was feasible, and if so, what each student would do “as a parliament leader, community leader and individual” to ensure the success of this ambitious proposal. Below are some of the answers that the girls presented. In true Daraja girl fashion, the students had lots of opinions and ideas…

As a Parliament leader…

-       Introduce alternate sources of energy like BioGas

-       Plant trees in government-owned, public places.

-       National Carbon Footprint: Government should monitor the trees cut due to agriculture and industries in Kenya, they should         then buy land and pay people to plant trees on that land to make up for the trees cut.

-       Design regulations and penalties on cutting down trees such as:

  • If you cut one tree, you must plant at least two trees and take care of those trees.
  • If you own land, you must have trees planted on 10% of the land.
  • If someone continually cuts trees, then their penalty will be to plant and take care of many trees. That way, the person that once cut trees will eventually build a relationship with the environment through planting and eventually understand the importance of trees.

-       Government should reclaim land and start planting:

  • The students cited the Mau Forest: The Mau Forest is 675,000 acres and it the largest water catchment in the area. Numerous rivers receive their water from this area. Seeing the destruction and potential water crisis that would arise if the forest continued to be depleted, the Kenyan government launched a multimillion dollar plan to focus on the rehabilitation of the forest.
  • Reclaiming the land and rehabilitating the forest also meant that many Kenyans would be evicted from their homes. While the students encourage further reclaiming of land for environmental purposes, they explained that the government should provide a loan for those being evicted so the residents could buy new land.

-       Provide seedlings to the people

-       Inform & educate communities, explain the importance of trees

As a community leader…

-       Educate people of the community

-       Talk to the chief to call a meeting and hold seminars

-       Talk about the future of the children and how tree planting will benefit them.

-       Create a tree nursery with community land and then sell those trees to other communities

-       Plant trees that create food for the community

-       Create local laws and community accountability

As an individual…

-       Plant a tree once per month or at least once per year

-       Plant a tree on special occasions (ie birthday)

-       Lead an educational seminar

-       Plant trees in public areas

Overall, it was a powerful weekend seminar and it was magical to see the girls truly embrace the curriculum, voice their thoughtful ideas and learn practices that would be beneficial to their own communities. Check out the “Earth & Me” gallery for a full recap of the various activities!

Tags: , , , , ,
Filed under Events, News, Students, Uncategorized, daraja : Comments (1) : Aug 24th, 2010

“Girls of Daraja” wins the Jury Prize at the Lights. Camera. Help. Film Festival!

Out of The Blue Films, Inc. debuted the “Girls of Daraja” short documentary at the Lights. Camera. Help. Nonprofit Film Festival on July 29th in Austin, TX. The result?  The film was awarded the Jury Prize and, along with raising awareness, the award grants proceeds from the event to Daraja Academy.

The event is an annual film festival focused on nonprofit and cause-driven films. The short documentary was filmed in February when director/producer Barbara Rick, cinematographer Jim Anderson, and executive producer Deborah Santana came to visit the campus.

The short version of the film has been posted on the blog before, but this extended 14 minute film includes additional animation, music and footage. You can watch the award-winning film here!

We can’t thank Out of The Blue Films, Inc. enough for making all this possible.

Filed under Events, News, Students, daraja : Comments (0) : Aug 5th, 2010

Meet Volunteer Kate Vander Ploeg: A Teacher to the Teachers

Name: Kate Vander Ploeg

Age: 24

Occupation: Teacher

Educational Background:

BA in Psychology, Stanford University ’08

Credential & Masters in Education, Stanford University ‘09

Duration of Stay at Daraja: July 13th- August 6th

How did you hear about Daraja Academy?

My dad is a friend of board member Bob Bessin. I met with Bob to talk about Daraja and he invited me to the Fund-a-Need Benefit at the end of March. I learned more about the school at the event and, by May, I was speaking to Suzanne Montgomery, the volunteer director, and we figured out a plan on what I could do while I was at Daraja. I booked my ticket for July that month.  Everything happened really fast.

What has been your role since you arrived?

I’ve been working with the teachers on how to support students with learning differences and special needs at Daraja. That includes daily lunchtime workshops where I talk about different learning modalities and types of learning ie spatial ordering versus sequential ordering, expressive language versus receptive language. As a teacher, it is a lot easier to help a student succeed once you find out the breaking point.

I have also been working with four students that the teachers have selected for me. I work with them on tutoring and I create learning profiles and management plans on the selected students for the teachers to use.

Did you arrive with any materials for your volunteer role?

Each teacher got a binder that I compiled before I came here. (See picture at the bottom of the blog post). It is a collection of resources and tools that I’ve gathered over the years.

The lunch workshops have been a place for me to go more in depth with the material I brought. My hope is to plant the seeds for the teachers during the workshops so that they are able to use these materials after I’m gone.

Has the volunteer experience been what you expected?

Yes and no. I expected Daraja to be very different from what I was used to back home and it is. I expected it to be very rewarding and it has been. But I also didn’t expect to have it to be so fulfilling and mutually beneficial working with the teachers. I’ve learned so much from them. Since this isn’t a role I normally play in the States, it’s been a nice change of pace.

What is it like working with the Daraja staff?

I think in the States, you might find some teachers who would grumble about giving up their lunch or may only see the downsides and complications with these learning strategies. The teachers here, however, are so dedicated and so motivated. They are just so excited about learning anything that could help them support their students. And when I offer suggestions, they are always eager to use them.

Have you had a chance to interact with the students?

Yes- Apart from working with the specific students assigned to me by the teachers, I help others with studying during study hall. I play sports with them, share meals with them. It’s hard not to interact with the students here. They are so excited about getting to know you and sharing who they are with you.

The Fun Stuff:

Favorite movie: Oh jeeze…. let’s come back to this one..(few minutes later) The Adventures of Milo and Otis. It’s phenomenal!

Favorite book: East of Eden by John Steinback

What was your favorite musical group when you were in junior high? *N Sync

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Thailand because I hear the culture, food and festivals are amazing.

You’re about to make your way down the green mile, what do you have as your last meal? Thanksgiving dinner with extra stuffing.

Who is the person you respect the most and why? My mom and dad. They have always encouraged me to follow my own path and they have shown me what it means to have a spirit of generosity.

What do you think is the secret to a good life? Loving and respecting others. There are so many ways to go about living in this world and the sooner that you realize that and appreciate that, the more satisfied you will be with your own life.

Tags:
Filed under News, daraja : Comments (0) : Aug 4th, 2010

August 4th: Kenyans to vote “Yes” or “No” to proposed constitution

On August 4th, a referendum will be held in Kenya to approve or disapprove of the new proposed constitution. The draft was passed in parliament in April but Kenyan citizens will decide whether to formerly adopt this new legislation on Wednesday.

“Yes” and “No” campaigns have been going strong for the past few months and tomorrow citizens will solidify their voice. Current polls have “Yes” campaigns leading by more than half.

Copies of the proposed constitution are available at the Daraja Academy library and the academy hopes to hold a school-wide debate this Wednesday in light of the vote.  A follow-up blog post will include report on the debate and student perspectives on this exciting time in Kenyan history.

Facts about the proposed constitution:

  • The proposed constitution will significantly reduce powers of the Kenyan president and create greater balance among the different branches of government
  • Voters will have the ability to recall MPs if they are not performing their job adequately.
  • A land commission would be created and any land illegally acquired could be repossessed. Land owned by foreigners will have leases limited to 99 years.
  • Key members of the “Yes” campaign: Current President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga
  • Key members of the “No” campaign: Minister for Higher Education William Ruto, former president Daniel arap Moi, most Church leaders and numerous parliament members
  • Controversial issues include:
    • Abortion clause: Current legality of abortion does not change but opponents argue that the abortion clause in the constitution provides a loophole for the future.
    • Inclusion of Kadhi family courts: The Muslim courts have been in place since independence. The constitution would continue to recognize the Kadhi courts despite a recent court case that ruled the courts discriminatory, in a case brought by Christian churches.
    • The Land clause: Any type of land policies has a tendency to ignite ethnic rivalries over land disputes.

United States Involvement:

  • According to a report by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States has spent an estimated $23 million toward the referendum
  • US Vice President Joe Biden visited Kenya in June specifically to urge Kenyans to vote and to emphasize the power of economic change this new legislation could bring:
    • “Putting in place a new constitution, strengthening democracy and the rule of law will further open up doors for more American programs which will bring about more investments.”
    • Because the constitution would greatly limit those currently in power, the authenticity of support from top government officials has been questioned. But according to sources in one of Biden’s State House meetings, the US would use it’s technology to find out the truth. An article in Kenya’s Daily Naiton reports, “The information, sources said, would be used to blacklist such leaders as anti-reformists who the US would not work with even if they succeed to take over the leadership of the country in future.”

Safety:

  • The government has sent out special force of 10,000 officers to the Rift Valley, a potentially tumultuous area, in an attempt to prevent any violence.
  • Two MPs and an assistant minister have been arrested for hate speech in the “No” campaign after violence occurred in Nairobi last month. The severe consequences have been a testament to the tough stance the government is taking to prevent a repeat of violence that occurred during the last elections.  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10316297)
  • Youth gathered in Mombasa for a peace rally (http://tinyurl.com/39w7yz4)
  • Overall, the country’s sentiment is that peace will prevail during this Wednesday’s voting.

To learn more, we urge you to check out the links below. The last link includes a PDF version of the proposed constitution:


Tags: , ,
Filed under Events, News : Comments (0) : Aug 2nd, 2010

Meet Daraja’s New Volunteer Coordinator: Andy Harley

What do you do when you have over 30 volunteers in one month and a former volunteer that the Daraja students ask about at least once a day? You hire Andy Harley. Andy is no rookie. He has been part of Daraja since the days when old cobwebs were the main inhabitants of the campus. A year later, he’s back helping volunteers make the most of their experiences at Daraja.

Read about everything from how he got connected to Daraja to his admission of his love for the Backstreet Boys. Get to know the man, the legend…

Name: Andy Harley

Age: 25

University: Pitzer College in Claremont, California

Major: International Intercultural Studies w/ focus on the third world & semester abroad in Botswana

How did you hear about Daraja Academy?

I heard from Sean Walashek, a current volunteer and former student of Jason’s. I saw him at a bar and he mentioned that Mr. Doherty is starting a school in Africa and I had been looking for a way to get back to Africa ever since my study abroad in Botswana. I eventually found a way of getting in contact with Jason and went to one of their first informational meetings. I asked Jason if I could go out there and volunteer and he said yes. After multiple book drives and fundraising, I was in Kenya 10 months later on October 2008.

How would you describe your initial volunteer experience at Daraja?

First, there were no students. We were out here fixing up the dorm room and classrooms so it was livable and teachable. We did some campus beautification. This place hadn’t been used in so long, it needed a face-lift! We interviewed teachers, which was exciting because we found some amazing teachers. Then, we did student interviews. It was amazing to see the students at interviews then see them on their first day at school. You could see how much they appreciated this. I was only supposed to be here for 6 months, then they asked me to stay on and I absolutely said yes. Any job opportunities back home couldn’t compare to what I was doing here.

What is the biggest surprise most volunteers have?

A few things. One is the pace of life. It’s a little bit slower and so you have to be a self-starter to stay busy. There are things to do but you have to stay on top of it to achieve what you want. We give a lot of free reign. Another thing is how loving these girls are. Some of the volunteers have said to me “I don’t think I’ve ever had that many hugs in one day my entire life.” A lot of volunteers come in thinking they will teach the students and teachers but find the students and teachers end up teaching them even more.

There are volunteers from US, Denmark, South Korea, to name a few. How do volunteers and the students communicate?

English is the language that we use at school. Some of the students have incredible English skills and can converse from the first moment, and are outgoing from the beginning. Others are shyer initially but given enough time the volunteers and students can communicate very well. Although, there is definitely a lot of giggling and laughing over misunderstandings that occur.

How do volunteers incorporate their programs into the school day?

We work with the teachers and find time during specific classes, free time, study hall. The programs are technically optional for the students but they are so excited and interested in what the volunteers are teaching that you essentially get a 100% attendance rate.

Can volunteers travel if they want?

Yes and we have wonderful contacts with certain safari companies and they can organize various trips- day trips, safaris, trips to other countries.

What do you think the students like to see in volunteers? What kind of volunteers do they attract to?

The most successful volunteers are able to interact and communicate with the students in a positive manner where they really encourage the girls to continue their education, pursue sports. The successful volunteers are those that spend a little extra time actually getting to know the girls.

How do the students react to volunteers leaving and going?

Some of the volunteers are able to make lots of deep connections, even in a short period of time. Though the students are sad to see volunteers go, they know they are better for having met that person and knowing that person will always have the student in their heart.

What is the biggest misconception about Kenya?

One, that most of the Kenyans are looking to rip you off. Most people on the street just want to understand who you are, where you are from, what brought you to Kenya. They want to practice their English. Kenyan people are very, very friendly and sometimes that throws Americans off because they aren’t used to that kind of hospitality.

The other one is people think that there is a lot of tribal conflict and that people from certain tribes can’t get a long with each other. But at Daraja, we prove that wrong. We have 19 out of the 42 tribes represented here but you wouldn’t know it because they all treat each other like sisters.

The Fun Stuff:

Favorite movie: Finding Nemo

Favorite book: Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire

What was your favorite musical group when you were in junior high? Is it embarrassing to admit Backstreet Boys?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Besides Kenya, I’ve always wanted to go to Romania and visit the castles. 

You’re about to make your way down the green mile, what do you have as your last meal? Oh that is so rough (takes a few minutes) My mom’s spaghetti and meatballs, loaf of garlic bread and a vanilla milkshake.

Who is the person you respect the most and why? My dad because he made a lot of sacrifices in life to make sure his kids had the best opportunities. He worked two jobs. He worked full time during the day and worked at a limo service company at night to pay my and my brother’s tuition.

What do you think the secret to a good life is? Being able to wake up most mornings and be able to be excited about what you’re doing. If work can actually put a smile on your face and you don’t mind staying extra hours because you enjoy it, then you’ve made it.

Tags: , ,
Filed under News, daraja : Comments (0) : Jul 6th, 2010

Join Our Daraja Academy Facebook Fan Page

Yes, we are on Facebook! Join our Daraja Academy Fan page, read the latest news, comments, feedback and keep in touch!

Filed under Donations, Events, News, Students, daraja : Comments (0) : Jun 30th, 2010

« Older Entries