Little Girl, Big Voice
As many of you know, this past February Daraja had a highly successful talent show. When the Form 1’s arrived, they heard all about it and were eager to show off their own talents. They persuaded the administration to throw another one and last weekend volunteers Matt Orcutt and Sarah Montgomery helped put together the show. The result? Poems, dances, singing and skits- these girls proved they could do it all!
Rosalia, Form 1, shared a poem with the audience entitled “Why Education is Important to a Kenyan Girl”. For a small girl, she had big opinions. Her confidence and conviction shined through as she spoke. To check out the video of her performance, click here.
It is definitely worth watching the video to see her perform but if you can’t, we have a transcript of the video available below:
“Why Education is Important to a Kenyan Girl”
by Rosalia, Form 1
Why is education important to a Kenyan girl?
Because we have to educate the Kenyan girls.
If it were not the Kenyan girls,
we would not be here.
We should thank all the administration
for taking care of us.
Other girls who are at home are not educated.
If it were not Mother Karua…
If Mother Karua was not there..
Could we have politician women?
Could we have educated women?
We should educate a Kenyan girl
so that we could have educated politicians, educated doctors, educated educators
and make our Kenya beautiful, a wonderful country and a developed country.
We should educate a Kenyan girl.
Why?
If a Kenyan girl is educated,
she is always beautiful, talented,
and ready to serve the Kenya and ready to serve her country Kenya.
We should educate a Kenyan girl.
We should thank Mr. Jason and Jenni who has volunteered to take their money
and teach us, take us, sponsor us
…four year sponsorship…
so that we could be educated
so that we could make good politicians, good lawyers, good doctors
and fulfill our dreams.
We should educate a Kenyan girl
so that we could make our Kenya better.
Tags: afria poetry, education, girl's education, kenya, poetry, women's empowerment
Filed under Students, daraja :
Comments (0) :
Jul 22nd, 2010
“Rape Threat Stalks Kenya’s Slums”
Daraja family member Jabiz Raisdana posted a very hard to read, but important article from Aljazeera.net entitled “Rape threat stalks Kenya’s slums” on our Daraja facebook page. This article hits close to home because at Daraja we have numerous girls from the slums-including a handful of girls from Kibera, the area mentioned in the article.
With all the students’ smiling faces and positive attitudes, sometimes it is easy to forget the depths of poverty and lack of basic infrastructure in the places that our students come from. The news piece was a great reminder of why Daraja Academy was established in the first place…
The article talks about how the communal toilets in slums such as Kibera are a target for sexual violence toward women. In some cases, the perpetrator is a family relative. In that case, the article points out, young women find themselves in a tough predicament. ”Do I go and report on my father who is the breadwinner, then what happens to the rest of the family?” In other cases, the perpetrator is the police themselves. The article further concludes that it is hard for many of these sexual violence victims to have their voices heard.
Recently, we interviewed Mercy, Form 2, who is among the Daraja students from Kibera. When asked what surprised her the most about Daraja, she said “Being given everything you need. I just knew I would be sponsored for 4 years but I never knew I’d be given everything to use like soaps, like towels…also the food.”
If you stripped the access to secondary education, healthcare, counseling…Daraja Academy would still be a life-changing escape for many of the students. Basic goods such as safe, sanitary toilets are a luxury and talking with students like Mercy is a reminder of just that.
The point of this blog post is to thank you. Thank you to all of our Daraja family. Although most of you have the basics in life, you are choosing to support people halfway around the world from you who don’t. Because of that, they are living a better life every single day.
Tags: Kibera, slums, women's empowerment
Filed under Students, daraja :
Comments (0) :
Jul 13th, 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: Andy Harley, interview, Volunteer
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
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
Filed under News, Photos, Students, daraja :
Comments (1) :
May 24th, 2010
In Celebration of Rich Harley
On behalf of the girls of Daraja, Jason and Jenni Doherty would like to thank you for your generous contribution to Daraja Academy in memory of Rich Harley. Because of your support, Harley Hall was completed in February 2010.
Please join us for a fun evening and a chance to hear about the progress of Daraja and the dedication of Harley Hall.
What:
Harley BBQ in celebration of Rich Harley
When:
Thurs, May 27th at 6:30 pm
Where:
The Doherty House
228 Margarita Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903 US
View Map
You can check out the official evite here! Hope to see you there!
Filed under Uncategorized : Comments (0) : May 24th, 2010
2010 Zonal Championships: “What is this Daraja?”
“What is this…Daraja?” asked one of the timekeepers at this weekend’s Zonal Championships, an annual Kenyan event in which students from various schools compete to represent their zone (region). “Oh, I hear it’s towards that direction,” slyly replies Wycliffe, Daraja’s Swahili and Geography teacher.
Apparently, a lot of people were asking the same thing this past Friday & Saturday when this phantom school that no one had heard of, and wasn’t even officially on the competition’s program until that morning was consistently placing 1st and 2nd in numerous competitions.
Given the little practice our students had, we figured Zonal Championships would just be a forum in which everyone tried their best. We didn’t really know what to expect. But once we got there, we gradually realized that, not only were we competitive, but our students were coming out on top in quite a few events! To see pictures of the event, take a peak at the Daraja Flickr Gallery.
Netball:
“I had a dream we went to district!” said Bennie. “I had a dream that we were celebrating. Then, I woke up and my blankets and sheets were on the side of the bed because I had been playing netball in my sleep!”
Despite having an official team for only a week—and some students, including Bennie, joining only 3 days before game time– Daraja’s netball team managed to reach 2nd place in the regional athletics competition, qualifying them to represent Laikipia East at the district competition next weekend.
[By the way, if you are American, then chances are rather high that you have never heard about netball. Netball is an English sport derived from basketball. A few differences include: no dribbling, no backboard, and no calling out player names to communicate. Check out the wikipedia article here. ]
Track & Field:
Lisayo, a Form 1 student, had made it to provincials last year and managed to come out top ranked again this year despite not having practiced her running very much. Catherine, one of Daraja’s top athletes, proved she deserved to go to district as well.
Check the official standings below. These students will compete in the upcoming district competition this weekend.
| Student | Event | Position |
| Lisayo | 2000M | 1st |
| 100MH | 2nd | |
| Mary P | Javelin | 1st |
| Catherine | Long Jump | 2nd |
| Christine Jamaica | Discus Throw | 1st |
| Javelin | 2nd | |
| Netball Team | Netball | 2nd |
Zonals is the first step. Next up is the district competition. The students will be training all this week in preparation and we’ll be sure to update you on the weekend’s events and standings. Below is a list of the various levels of competition:
- Zonals (Regionals) in Nanyuki
- District in Nanyuki
- Provincials in Nakuru
- Finals in Mombasa
Stay Tuned!
- The Daraja Team
Filed under Uncategorized : Comments (3) : May 17th, 2010
