“When I came to Daraja, the warm smiles and tight hugs made me feel loved like never before.” -Joyline

Joyline is a 14-year-old Meru girl from Githurai in Kiambu County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. She lives with a family well-wisher who has four children of her own. Her parents separated when she was young. Growing up, Joyline was neglected by her father, often going to bed hungry. They live in a single-room stone and iron-sheet house in a dangerous area plagued by thieves, floods, poor waste management, and scarce water.

Despite various hardships, Joyline has remained determined to continue her education. In primary school, she served as class governor. She enjoys playing netball, reading, singing, and reciting poetry. Joyline wants to pursue a career in medicine as a nurse or doctor.

She believes that educating women is the only way to uplift communities. Joyline describes Daraja as the only place capable of enabling her to pursue her dreams.