Guyatu and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Guyatu's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Guyatu is a 16-year-old Borana girl from Sakuu in Marsabit County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. At home, she lives with her parents and six siblings, one of whom is her step-sister. Their house is made of cement and lacks a proper floor. Guyatu has grown up in a village near Mount Marsabit, where the nearest water source is a dam seven kilometers away.
One of the challenges in her life has been that both of her parents are casual laborers, and some days they are unable to find work. This has often left Guyatu and her siblings hungry while also struggling to cover school fees.
Despite these challenges, Guyatu has served as a class prefect and believes that respect is key to strong leadership. She loves reading storybooks, solving problems, and socializing with others, as she enjoys promoting peace and unity. This passion connects to her dream of becoming a nurse, which she believes will allow her to interact with many people and care for them with patience and compassion.
Guyatu describes Daraja as a family that makes you feel at home and treats people fairly.