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 Gichuhi

Vice-Principal, Mathematics and Business Studies

I am grateful to be part of Daraja since there is such a great sense of family besides being an academy. Over time, while at Daraja, I realized that being educated for me is a privilege and not a right. Thanks to my parents who believed in education, they supported me tirelessly through Moi University in Kenya, where I graduated with a Bachelors of Education in 2005. Daraja has given me a platform to change the world through these incredible students. Kenya is undergoing a revolution because of the generation Daraja is creating. Watch out for this! Daraja means bridge, and it is a bridge for everyone. You only need to cross it and give your own testimony. Love 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.

Jackson Thuranira B.

Physics and Mathematics

I acquired my Bachelor’s degree in Education (Science) from Egerton University. I love being a teacher, and I always give my best whenever I am teaching. Teaching is a novel profession; few people know its beauty. I love the Daraja family. We are Daraja.

Peris Wakio G.

Physics and Mathematics

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.

Joseph Mbuthia

Mathematics and Chemistry

I am from Kikuyu, near Nairobi, and graduated from the University of Nairobi with a B.S. in Chemistry.  I started teaching chemistry and math at Kenya Adult Learning Association (KALA) where I really grew to love teaching.  In 2005, I helped start the Hope Valley Academy where I was part of the administration.  I also taught at Liki Hill School nearby.  After an exam has been well done by students, I get the feeling that I did a good job because the students understand the concepts.  It’s a very happy feeling.  At Daraja, the students and staff members relate in such a different way than I’m used to.  It’s more like a community than a school.  It is also full of the spirit of volunteerism, which I enjoy.

Mercy Gichohi

Biology

After graduating from Mombasa Polytechnic University College, I set up to teach with the intention of changing the destinies of many generations that I contacted in this noble task. Every day is an exciting adventure as I interact with young girls who aspire to impact others in the future. I have made a contribution to the Kenyan Education by authoring a Division book in Biology that aims at orienting students with the current setting of Biology in the National Examination. I would like to make greater contributions in the future.

Crispus Nduta

Geography, Business Studies, and Agriculture

I went to Kenyatta University for a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and I currently teach Geography, Business Studies and Agriculture at Daraja. To further my experience, my knowledge, and my potential, I chose to continue my education. I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Business.  I take pride in my teaching profession because it satisfies my heart and soul. I learn a lot through teaching. It is a job where you encounter people of different ethnicities, religions, beliefs and backgrounds and this helps fight false and fake beliefs and takes in people. It is the only career where a person is a teacher and a student at the same time and this creates sweet and interesting memories. Let us keep old age at bay by teaching because a teacher learns a new thing each day.

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 teaching environment in a community where everyone works hard and embraces differences. Currently, I am pursuing an additional Bachelor’s degree in Education. I love, love teaching. The best part of the learning process is being able to apply my studies to the lessons I am teaching in class. I hope that my experience will serve as motivation to my students.

Carol Wanjiku Mwangi

English

My name is Caroline Wanjiku Mwangi, a Kenyan citizen aged 33 years and married. I’m a teacher by profession with a diploma certificate from Presbyterian Teachers College-Rubate. I am also pursuing a degree in Education at the University of Mount Kenya in Thika. 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!

Susan Gachara

English

I have been teaching at Daraja since January 2012. I went to secondary school at Maua girls, later proceeded to Dabani Girl in Uganda for my Advanced education (A-level), and thereafter I joined Makerere University for my Bachelor’s degree in English and Literature. Teaching is fun and love it: this is what I was born for.

Jenni Doherty

Administrative Director

I grew up along the Rocky Mountain Range but moved to Northern California soon after meeting my husband, Jason. I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2004 with a BA in English Literature. I put my education to use as a Research Associate at WestEd, an educational consulting firm based in San Francisco, California. I was directly involved in the planning, execution, and evaluation of several research projects for the California Department of Education Child Development Division. In 2008, I moved with my husband, Jason, to Kenya to start Daraja Academy. As the first woman in my family to graduate from university, I value my education and want to share that opportunity with all the women that I encounter. I get to fulfill this desire as I work with the students, staff, and partners of Daraja Academy.  My experience in evaluation and project management has helped me meet the daily challenges and learning opportunities presented by Daraja. This project is truly my life’s work and I look forward to each day that I get to work with my amazing husband, the incredible Daraja Girls, the dedicated staff, and the passionate supporters of this program.

Jason Doherty

Principal

I fell in love with East Africa and Kenya, specifically, after visiting with my family in the 1980’s. After graduating from Univeristy of San Diego, I moved to Maicambako, Tanzania, where I lived at a secondary school. I witnessed how devoted the students were to their education. Though I returned to California, earning my teacher credentials, and met my wife, Jennilyn, dreams of returning to Africa never left for very long. Those dreams, Jenni’s talents, and the belief of thousands of others are the seeds that became Daraja Academy. Before becoming devoted to Daraja Academy, I taught social studies and coached American football at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael and Hogan High School in Vallejo, California. I was named 2007-08 Teacher of the Year in Contra Costa County.  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.

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, led by Head Cook Aloise and supported by 4 capable assistants, is responsible for the delicious food we eat each day and for the purified water we drink.
Aloise, Ruth, Cecelia, George, Rhoda

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.
Rutere, Samuel

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, Paul, Erunye, Ntareya

Additional Staff

Daraja is fortunate to have a beautiful campus and comfortable living quarters.  Our staff makes it welcoming to all.
Joseph (Gardener), Beatrice (Housekeeping), Alice (Matron)