The drought and famine in the Horn of Africa have threatened over 10 million people with starvation in Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya – it’s being called the worst drought in memory.

With the Daraja girls dismissed for term break, some will be going home to towns in the northern part of Kenya – like Marsabit, Maralal and Isiolo – that are affected by the drought. These girls have all lived through drought before, but none as severe as this.

However, one of the girls said that this drought won’t be too difficult to weather for her family because it’s the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “We only eat breakfast and dinner, so we don’t need food for lunch.” But, she said when times get really hard they may have to go two days without water.

Another girl said that although living will be difficult at home, “I want to be with my family because it is better to suffer together. When I am at Daraja, with all this food, I feel bad for my family.”

Ann N. is a Form 1 student from drought-affected Marsabit

For some Daraja students drought is a fairly regular occurrence, but this year will be more challenging than ever. Our thoughts go with the girls and their families as they support each other and work together during this challenge.