When she arrived at Daraja Academy four years ago, Joyce was quiet and nervous, but undoubtedly determined for a better future. Although she grew up in an environment with little encouragement and no positive role models, Joyce was determined to continue her education past primary school.

During her first and second years at Daraja, Joyce was a very quiet student. She studied hard but often kept to herself and rarely felt comfortable raising her hand in class or participating in extra school activities. Joyce focused on schoolwork in order to achieve her dreams for a better future.

After participating in WISH (Women of Integrity Strength and Hope) class each week at Daraja and taking the lessons she learned in school back to her community, Joyce’s shy demeanor began to change. During breaks, Joyce demonstrated how hard she was working at school by applying lessons learned in class when she conducted her community service in her hometown.

Then, Joyce began to play netball, a popular sport in Kenya. Netball is a game where players play a specific role and their actions are crucial to the team’s overall success. Joyce excelled in the defensive positions on the netball field and developed a strong sense of responsibility and confidence. Soon, teachers and administrators began to notice, this sense of responsibility and beaming confidence began to translate to her studies and her interactions off the field.

During her year as a fourth year student on Daraja’s campus, Joyce could be found studying with her fellow classmates, playing netball during sports time, or sitting with the first year girls during meals. She explained, “I remember when I first came to Daraja, I was really nervous and I wanted to make friends. I know that some of the Form 1’s

[first years] feel the same way that I did, I want to show them what can happen if you believe in yourself and believe in Daraja.”

Today, she is back home after finishing her secondary school education. With the second-ever Transition Program fast approaching in March, girls were asked to mail in a confirmation that they’d be attended this voluntary opportunity. It came as no surprise to the administration that Joyce’s confirmation came in first, only a few days after she’d left campus.

When she finished her K.C.S.E. exam, Joyce took time to reflect on where she was four years ago, and how she felt at that very moment: “Four years ago, I never would have believed that I would get to take the K.C.S.E. I never would have believed that it would be easy for me to speak in front of a group of people. I would never recognize me, if I saw myself now.”

Administrators and teachers have seen the transformation as well. Charles, Dean of Academics, explained, “It’s actually very amazing the way that Joyce has changed. It shows how much of an impact Daraja can make on students. There are so many dimensions of impact that can be made when a girl is given opportunities and attention. They not only become better learners, but they also become better people. Joyce developed faith in herself through the things she has done at Daraja, it’s really, very amazing.”

With a couple of months at home before returning for the Transition Program, Joyce will be busy focusing her time on being with her friends and family and finding a place to volunteer or work in her community. “I can’t wait to come back to Daraja, I wish it could be right now! Instead, I will show all that Daraja has taught me while I wait.”

We can’t wait to see you, either, Joyce!