Hawo and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Hawo's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Hawo is a 15-year-old Burji girl from Saku in Marsabit County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. Hawo lives with her single mother and three siblings in a small, two-room cement house. Her father left the family when she was very young, and her mother, who did not have the opportunity to attend school, supports the family through casual labour. From an early age, Hawo has helped with household chores and fetching water.
Despite these challenges, Hawo has remained dedicated to her education. In school, she showed strong leadership as a Girl Guide commander. She enjoys music, volleyball, and reading novels. Hawo dreams of becoming an accountant in the future. Making others smile is what brings her the most happiness. Hawo describes arriving to Daraja as one of the happiest moments of her life, she received so many welcoming hugs that she lost count.