We had the opportunity to visit Daraja, one of our Kenyan partners, in 2019. Daraja educates and empowers girls living in poverty so they can become community leaders and affect change. After walking through campus with the girls and hearing their stories and learning about their passions, there is no doubt they will be community leaders, and more. We were so impressed with how eloquent and mature these young women are and would love for you to meet some of them! See below for our Daraja interview series!

ANITA, 15

How does a uniform make you feel? It is like a weapon to me because it differentiates me from other people who are not in school. It protects me from terrible things like rape and without a school uniform, someone might think you are a just a villager.

Why is school important? Because it helps me learn a lot and look forward to my future to change the world.

What inspires you? Seeing people who have succeeded and made a difference in their life

ASHA,17

Favorite Subject: Kiswahili and math

How does a uniform make you feel? It gives me confidence to stand up in front of people. It makes me have self worth, self respect and self value.

Why is school important? Once you are in school, you are a valuable person who can stand up for herself

What do you want to be when you grow up? a business woman 

MERCY, 14

Favorite Subject: History

Why is school important? Because it bridges hard work and success

What inspires you? My purpose in this world is to manifest victory

What do you want to be when you grow up? a lawyer or human rights activist

What are you excited about? My sponsors! They believe in me and that is why they opted to donate to me

HAMILA, 18

Favorite Subject: Physics and Geography

Why is school important? It removes me from darkness to light and gives me the motivation to do greater things in life

What inspires you? My home – one day I am going to change it

What do you do when you’re not at school? Talk to youth and give them motivation 

What do you want to be when you grow up? a civil engineer and a pilot 

BRENDA, 17

How does a uniform make you feel? It is my pride and treasure. It makes me feel proud to be a student and gives me an identity which is an awesome feeling

Why is school important? It makes one overcome ignorance and expand the mind to see great things in a different perspective like an educated person

What inspires you? My background inspires me to work hard since my goal is to become smart to achieve good grades and have a better career after school to change my life

IRENE, 18

How does a uniform make you feel? It gives me confidence, makes me feel proud and makes me always want to be in school. It promotes equality and love and I can concentrate and focus without fear

What inspires you? My dream job as a news anchor and all those who support my educaiton

What do you do when you’re not in school? I do community service and create awareness on the importance of education

MARGARET, 18

How does a uniform make you feel? It makes me feel so special because I can see myself in the future shining so bright 

What inspires you? All the people who support my education and provide my uniform

Who is your hero? I am my own hero because I am great and powerful

What do you want to be when you grow up? a doctor

ABIGAEL, 17

Favorite Subject: Geography

How does a uniform make you feel? It symbolizes me as a respected individual

Why is school important? Because it is the foundation for a better tomorrow

What inspires you? The investment that people have in my education

What do you want to be when you grow up? an engineer