Kelsy and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Kelsy's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
“What makes me happy is being at Daraja and knowing that people now care about me.” -Kelsy
Kelsy is a 15-year-old Meru girl from the village Maili Tatu in Isiolo and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. When she was five years old, her parents separated. After her father remarried, Kelsy experienced mistreatment at home and was eventually forced to leave. She spent some time on the street before a woman found her and took her to a children’s home. Kelsy has now lived there for ten years. Because of limited resources at the children’s home, she was at one point only able to attend school on Mondays and Fridays.
Despite these challenges, she has remained committed to her education. In school, Kelsy served as deputy headgirl and an environmental prefect. Kelsy enjoys dancing and debating. She dreams of becoming a nurse and hopes to be the first nurse from her village, giving back to her community.
Kelsy describes Daraja as a safe space where she can pursue her dreams surrounded by people that make her feel seen and loved.