Magdalene and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Magdalene's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
“When I came to Daraja everyone hugged everyone without caring about culture or skin color, everyone just loves you the way you are.” -Magdalene
Magdalene is a 14-year-old Kikuyu and Kalenjin girl from Kiambogo in Nakuru County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. Her family lives in a small mud house with an iron-sheet roof. During the rainy season, water often leaks inside. Magdalene grew up walking long distances both to school and to fetch water for her family. She lives with her mother and younger relatives, and she has taken on many responsibilities from a young age. When her mother became ill, Magdalene worked to pay for her mother’s medicine.
Despite frequent interruptions due to lack of school fees, Magdalene has remained committed to her education. She even served as a school prefect, showing strong leadership. Magdalene loves singing and composing her own songs, participating in drama, and playing football.
She dreams of becoming a surgeon and hopes to one day open a children’s home. For Magdalene, Daraja means a place of hope and motivation where she can be herself.