Ruth and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Ruth's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
“I believe that after Daraja, I will be a role model girl in my village.” -Ruth
Ruth is a 16-year-old Teso girl from Sirisia in Bungoma County and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. She comes from a rural farming community where many families struggle to meet basic needs, and alcoholism is prevalent. Ruth's father passed away, and lives with her grandparents and her mother in a simple mud home surrounded by farmland. Ruth’s grandparents are elderly, and the household has faced many financial hardships over the years. Her mother didn’t even finish primary school because of poverty. Ruth used to have to walk two hours to get to school.
Despite these challenges, Ruth has remained determined to continue her education. In school, Ruth showed leadership as a class prefect. She enjoys participating in ball games and listening to music. Ruth dreams of becoming a doctor so she can help care for the sick people in her community.
She strongly believes in the power of education, saying that when one woman is educated, the whole community benefits.