Mercy and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Mercy's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Mercy is a 16-year-old Samburu girl from Laikipia West and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. She has grown up in a large family of sixteen people. Her father is polyamorous, and Mercy’s mother has seven children. Mercy usually lives with her stepmother, but at times stays with her mother. Their home is a two-room mud house. The village she comes from is far from the nearest borehole, and fetching water can take up to four hours.
Her greatest challenges have included food shortages and her mother’s alcohol abuse, which has led to difficult circumstances at home. Despite this, Mercy has found comfort in reading. She also enjoys music festivals and playing football.
Mercy dreams of becoming a doctor so she can improve her own life and the lives of others. She describes Daraja as an opportunity to grow from a class leader into a leader in society.