Administrative and Teaching Staff

Our administrative team is a strong blend of education professionals from the United States and Kenya. We have an all-Kenyan teaching staff of highly trained educators specializing in everything from the sciences to English to Swahili to Music.  Our teachers and administrators have also taken advantage of a number professional development opportunities offered through volunteers on the Daraja campus from the University of San Diego and University of California at Berkeley.

Victoria Mwangi

Vice-Principal/Math and Business Studies

Being at Daraja is a blessing, since it is not just an academy, but a family. I was born approximately 150 km from Daraja. My parents believed strongly in girls’ education and they tirelessly supported me through to Moi University (Kenya) where I graduated with a Bachelors of Education in 2005. Working in the Daraja community fulfills my heart’s desire to change the lives of girls in at least a small way. My mission is to impact my students positively and create a sense of independence. Daraja has not only been a bridge for the girls, but also for me. I crossed it, and tasted the beauty of living in a family. Long live Daraja!

Charles Mbuto

Dean of Curriculum/Biology and Chemistry

I attended University of Nairobi and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Biology. For me, education is the gateway to many opportunities in life, which I delight in seeing my students explore. I find it so fulfilling as I mentor, monitor, and guide the learner from one level to the next, and also assist them in making informed choices. I love Daraja because it is a democratic school where the students, staff, and teachers each have a voice. The students are adorable, full of life, eager to learn and easy to teach. The school provides a very conducive working environment with an incredible, supportive, focused, and committed staff. We also enjoy the excellent support from the administration and the visiting volunteers.

Catherine Gichini

English and Music

I am 25 years old. I studied at Kagumo Teacher’s Training College for a diploma in Education, majoring in English and Music. I chose education because it was my way of making a difference, however small, in the lives of Kenyan students. I can’t imagine working or being anywhere else but Daraja Academy.  Daraja, to me, is a special place in many ways. But what stands out most is the love and hope it brings to the lives of every member of its community. It is a great initiative and it is already making a world of difference to each life it touches. Daraja means bridge, and this school is truly a bridge from the girls’ past to their future, which is undoubtedly bright.

Peris Wakio G.

Math and Physics

I attended Maseno University earning the degree of Bachelor of Education (Science). Education is the main vehicle of change and a way of reaching out to many others. I really admired how my teachers helped me learn as they guided me towards achieving my goals. I realized I wanted to be able to do the same for others. Daraja is like a family. It gives everyone an opportunity to share their opinions and they feel a part of the school. I feel I have the support of everyone and that gives me confidence to do my best. The Daraja girls are amazing and a great inspiration to me. The administration gives unbelievable support and so does the other staff. I love Daraja.

Wycliffe Libabu

Kiswahili and Geography

I have a degree in Education from Kenyatta University. I chose teaching because I like to work with students to achieve their future goals. It is gives me psychological satisfaction. I like teaching at Daraja because it is a global platform that provides me with the necessary materials for both teaching and learning. The administration, through Mr. & Mrs. Doherty, organizes workshops to improve my teaching skills and the students work hard to become independent women who will touch the world.

John Mwambura Mwangi

Kiswahili, History, and Christian Religious Education

I have an advanced diploma in Theology from East Africa School of Theology (EAST) in Nairobi. I love teaching because it gives me satisfaction by seeing students learning and developing in their knowledge. More specifically in Daraja, I’m given all the necessary tools for teaching with the help of our principal Mr. Doherty and the administration. I enjoy a conducive environment in a community where everyone works hard and embraces differences.

Carol Wanjiku Mwangi

English

My name is Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi, a Kenyan citizen aged 32 years and married. I’m a teacher by profession with a diploma certificate from Presbyterian Teachers College-Rubate. I chose education out of a passion and willingness to serve. For me, Daraja is the best place to be. I like it because I have a home away from home, as well as a role in building a bridge for needy girls to achieve their goals. Long live Daraja!

Jenni Doherty

Administrative Director

As the first woman in my family to graduate from a university, I value my education and want to share that opportunity with all the women I encounter.  One way I get to fulfill this desire is to work with the students, teachers, and staff at Daraja.  Everyday is a new and exciting challenge. Most days I work to make sure that each person has what they need— be it supplies, scheduling assistance, or a shoulder to cry on.  No two days are the same — never a dull moment at Daraja!

Jason Doherty

Principal

Personally, Daraja Academy is a dream come true. Every day I see proof that individuals can make the world a better place. Never before have I witnessed such cooperation and the desire to improve as I have among the teachers and students of Daraja Academy. Each day is a blessing.

Andrew “Kamau” Harley

Volunteer Coordinator

Andrew is a Marin County California native who graduated from Pitzer College in 2007 with a BA in International and Intercultural Studies with a focus on the Third World. During a semester abroad in Botswana, Andrew fell in love with Africa and education and vowed to return. After hearing about Daraja Academy, he felt that he had to be part of the school. He volunteered for a year, falling in love with the students, staff, and the school itself. In June 2010, he was hired as the Daraja Academy Volunteer Coordinator.

Campus Staff

In addition to our educators, the girls of Daraja are supported by a wonderful staff that helps us provide a welcoming home for the girls during the school year.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of campus.  The department, headed by Head Cook Ruth and supported by 4 capable assistants, is responsible for the delicious food we eat each day and for the purified water we drink.
Ruth, Aloise, Cecilia, Consolata, Simon

Maintenance

Without the maintenance department, Daraja Academy would literally fall apart.  Mr. Rutere, the head of the department, is a master fundi (craftsman) in fixing water leaks and generator issues.  He is supported by 3 other skilled workers.
Rutere, Mwika, Kemboi, Beatrice

Security (Askaris)

Many of the security guards were here when the Baraka School was open.  As Head of Security, Mr. Christopher, leads by example as he makes sure that the students, staff, and guests are safe.
Christopher, Ntareya, Petiko, Paul, James, Erunye