It’s been a busy week at Daraja! The girls have been working alongside a group of volunteers from Marin Academy, a high school in San Rafael, California. The American students, ranging from sophomores to recent graduates, arrived last week and have shadowed the girls – attending classes, sports and doing duties together – and have done some muscle work across campus in addition to helping in special sessions for the girls.
Computer studies
In the computer lab the Form 1 girls had their first computer lesson. They learned some basic mouse skills then played Minesweeper for practice. Euphrasia said, “I already feel like an expert,” after the class.
Volunteers Jono Disenhof, Julian Smith, Megan Kallstrom, Jamie Muresanu, and Olivia Glick worked with the girls in the computer lab and taught the higher forms typing skills.
Music, dance and journaling
Last weekend, the American students and Daraja girls learned that they have some common interests in music – including Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Akon – and the Daraja girls shared some traditional Kenyan songs with their guests. Volunteers Lizzy Elliott, Julia Irwin and Lauren Hausen also taught the girls a new song, Wade in the Water – campus was filled with music for the rest of the day.
Paige Whistler and Sumari Barnes showed the girls some American moves in their dance workshops while Megan, Alison Korman and Erin Bewley led journaling sessions with the Daraja girls.
Coming up
This weekend, Kenia Cobb will be working with the Daraja girls in women’s empowerment classes and Jane Cavagnero will be leading sports sessions. The girls will also attend photography workshops and continue with their music, dance and journaling classes.
The group’s coordinators are also hard at work on campus. Mark Stefanski will continue working with the teachers; Johanna Brandriff and Krista Tokarz are facilitating the women’s empowerment classes and working in the library; and Steve Disenhof is helping with computers, photography and a student newsletter.
Check out the group’s blog to learn more about their experiences and to see more photos!
