Nessy and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Nessy's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Nessy is a 15-year-old Meru girl from Itara village in Tharaka-Nithi County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. Nessy lives with her older sister and her sister’s younger son in a small, single-room stone house. The area where they live is very unsafe, with crime and alcohol abuse is common. Nessy’s father left when she was young, and her mother is currently in prison after being falsely accused of stealing money from her workplace. Nessy has often gone hungry, and she has walked long distances through the dangerous forest to attend school.
Despite various hardships, Nessy has remained committed to her education. In primary school, Nessy was the school president, showing strong leadership. She loves sports, drama, music, and showcasing her culture through dance and song. Nessy dreams of becoming a teacher and hopes to explore the world.
She deeply believes in the power of women and sees education as the key to transforming communities. For Nessy, Daraja is both a family and a place where she has come to make her dreams come true.