Archive for the ‘News’ Category
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: Andy Harley, interview, Volunteer
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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
In Lilian’s Words…
Name: Lilian David
Grade Level: Form 2
Age: 15
As a child growing up, I always believed that I have a gift of writing but didn’t have an idea of what to write about. Today one of the most interesting things I love doing in my leisure time is writing my life history. I give out what is with within me because it is of help not only to me but to all.
Journal Entries:
“I once was in the midst of darkness when life tried to challenge my heart and mind. Goals seemed to be unachievable and though I was a failure, I embraced everything and empowered myself with trust, then went ahead and put on a spare tire of strong determination, added oil of perseverance, and changed my heart with positive network. Through the struggle I was able to learn that everything was and is achievable if we have passion and energy towards it.”
“True ladies never give up but accept the reality. The best part of experience is the ride itself. They accept disappointments, rejections and even failures and continue with the journey without turning back, because they know the only barrier that can hinder them or make them losers are they themselves.”
“My name is Lilian Wanjini Nduhiu and we are only two in the family. My younger brother and I. Am a lady who was born with great ambition and a gift of love and trust. Part of my life is of giving what I know to others. Ability I have to make my future bright and full of happiness. Choices I have towards tomorrow. Am what I am today to make tomorrow great. I stand with what I know to do what I don’t know. Am a woman of integrity, strength and hope. I accept the realities and never give up. Also setting goals and dreams because everything worthwhile in life starts with a dream. I love helping and giving love to the rejected, giving them bundle of hugs and shoulder to cry on. We are all equal and need great love. The purpose of this life is to be useful. Action springs not from thoughts but from readiness for responsibility.”
“Mr. D & Ms. Jenni
Nothing in the world can take their place.
They empowered their minds and thoughts,
Picked a dream which they were passionate in
And were enthusiastic about.
They did the best they could and built a strong foundation for the future of the girls.
This is love more than love. They inspire everybody around them
Shining day and night to those
Who know them.
Love explodes from a small community (DARAJA)
To every corner of the world!”
Love,
Lilian David
Tags: hope, kenya, love, Student stories, women's empowerment, writing
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May 24th, 2010
To Our Daraja Family in the Bay Area: Join us Tonight!
This Mother’s Day weekend, join founders Jason and Jenni Doherty and Daraja supporter Deborah Santana for a magical evening. The night’s aim is to provide full funding for unsponsored Daraja girls-many who do not have the fortune to celebrate this weekend with a mother of their own. A scholarship doesn’t just mean an education, it means food, healthcare services and most importantly, a place to call home.
So try something different out this Mother’s Day weekend. Join us tonight at Cavallo Point in Sausalito at 6pm. There will be a short film by Emmy Award-winning director Barbara Rick, food and drinks!
For more details, check out the event’s official link: http://www.deborahsantana.com/index.php/daraja-fundraiser
It will be a night to remember so don’t miss out!
Filed under Donations, Events, News, Students, daraja : Comments (1) : May 8th, 2010
Daraja Academy Anthem
Thanks to volunteer Matt Orcutt, we have a video of the Daraja girls singing the school anthem. Written by the inaugural class of 26 girls, they performed it on camera for all the world to see how much the school means to them. And they’re great singers too!
Enjoy.
Tags: daraja, daraja academy, daraja anthem
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Mar 14th, 2010
New Layout
I’m pleased to introduce the new layout for the Official Blog of the Daraja Academy! Sorry for the down time and inconvenience… We lost some of the photos in the process but this should be fixed in the next few days.
As always, you can use our secure Paypal button in the side bar on the right to make a donation!
In the meantime, you can visit our Flickr Gallery!
Filed under Misc, News, daraja : Comments (0) : Feb 22nd, 2010
DARAJA FOOTBALL TEAM
Daraja Academy now has an official football team (Kenyans refer to soccer as “football”)! Martin Husum Mikkelsen, a famous football trainer in his hometown Viborg (Denmark), agreed to volunteer at Daraja during his winter break. He has created a team of Daraja students interested in playing football and managed to build a strong squad for upcoming school tournaments.
Coach Mikkelsen has used students from MS Kenya, a Danish NGO on campus, to provide scrimmages against the girls. The first official match, however, is scheduled for Friday, February 5th against Nanyuki Secondary School.
We have footage of the first official Daraja pre-game press conference held by coach Mikkelsen and Relina, the team captain. Here is a clip:
Are you satisfied with the scores of your preparation games?
Coach: Totally! After a draw in our first game, we won our second game 2-1. It was awesome!
How did you find the team did during the games?
Captain Relina: The team was good! All players were doing their best.
But what will you have to improve to win your first official game on Friday?
Captain Relina: Every time we train we learn new things. We get better everyday; we will be better on Friday than last weekend.
What will be the team configuration on Friday?
Coach: This is top secret! But if you know me well, you can imagine that we will play safe, with 4 defenders.
The players seemed tired after the last game. Do you believe to be in a good enough shape?
Captain Relina: Yeah. You know, we gave everything during the game. But we will run a little for warm-up on Friday, it will be all right.
You have two amazing goalkeepers with Everlyne and Mary. Who will be on the field on Friday?
Coach: I haven’t taken any decision yet. But having each of them play a half of the game is definitely an option.
Captain Relina, what will you tell your teammates before entering the field?
Captain Relina: I will tell them to be good, to do their best! This way, we will win.
A prediction about the final score?
Coach: 3-0 for us!
Captain Relina: I think 3-1 for Daraja.
We will be sending a journalist on the field to provide exciting game updates so stay tuned!
Tags: daraja, football, game, Mikkelsen, Relina
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Feb 4th, 2010
