The challenge all the Daraja girls have in common is the financial struggle to get into high school. One Form 1 student had another challenge on top of that – epilepsy.

Before starting at Daraja, this student said that she used to have to miss school for several days at a time. She had headaches and seizures regularly, wasn’t able to travel alone and couldn’t sleep over with her friends. She was frightened to fall asleep, even at home, after having a seizure at night and biting her tongue and being unable to speak or eat for several days.

When it came time to apply to high school, at the age of 15, her aunt told her that since there was no money for school her education was up to her. She learned about Daraja, applied and was accepted. She was nervous about going to boarding school, afraid that she would have seizures at night.

Biology and chemistry teacher, Mercy

When she started classes in February, biology and chemistry teacher Mercy said she “could barely stay awake in class. And she just seemed so worried all the time.” Then one evening she had a seizure in her dorm room. Her frightened roommates alerted the administration and she was rushed to hospital.

All Daraja girls receive free tuition, room and board, medical care and counseling; this allows them to put all their energy into their studies. Daraja paid for this student’s scans in February and new medication since. Also, Nurse Jacinta and a nurse and social worker from Laikipia Welfare of Epileptics came to speak to the staff and students about the disease. They talked about the myths of epilepsy – there is still a belief in Kenya that seizures are caused by demons – and how to properly take care of someone having a seizure. Jacinta said the girls were quite scared initially and many have approached her with more questions since, but those who had seen someone have a seizure before were relieved to have more information and to know what to do.

Since going on the medication in February, the student says she hasn’t had any seizures and only has the occasional headache. Over the last term breaks she was able to travel alone and sleep at a friend’s house. She doesn’t miss classes, is doing well in school and no longer worries about having seizures at night. Teacher Mercy says her attention in class has improved dramatically.  Carol, an English teacher and dorm matron, said the student has changed a lot since February, “She’s such a happy girl now.”

All in, her care cost $500 for scans and $10 per month for medication. With that, she can focus on her education and her family knows she is well cared for. “My family is so happy. They don’t have to worry anymore.”