Rahma and I are running 12 kilometers on opposite sides of the world in support of girls education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Rahma's education. Thank you for your help! or as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Rahma is from Isiolo and is the only girl in a family with 5 boys. When she was in class 5, she had to drop out of school due to domestic violence. At that time, her dad decided to marry her off for her dowry, but her mother refused to let it happen. The result of that conflict was divorce, leaving Rahma’s mom to care for the 6 children. Her mother works as a casual laborer, finding any job she can from construction to laundry. The result usually brings in around 6 dollars a day. Rahma appreciates the hard work her mom does, and recognizes that an education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. In her student interview she was asked what she’d like to be when she grows up, and she said firmly, “I can be anything. I can be president.” Rahma loves Daraja and works hard. She is thinking about pursuing a career in medicine, and loves to counsel other girls to reach for their dreams even when it pushes against cultural norms.
