Maryann and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Maryann's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Maryann is a 14-year-old Kikuyu girl from Maili Tatu village in Kajiado County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. Her village is a rural area affected by drought and frequent tribal conflicts. Maryann lives with both her parents and her younger brother in a small two-room timber house. Her father is a small-scale farmer, and her mother does laundry jobs a few times a week. When Maryann’s father became ill, the hospital bills became overwhelming. Maryann was often sent home from school due to unpaid fees, and sometimes she went to bed hungry. She would also walk several hours each day to attend school.
Despite these hardships, Maryann has remained determined to continue her education. In school, Maryann served as the school president, showing strong leadership. She enjoys drawing, singing, and playing netball. Maryann dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon and hopes to one day offer free medical care. She strongly believes in the power of women as changemakers.
Maryann describes Daraja as her everything. After a long journey without a bridge, she now has one to cross toward an amazing future.