Joyce and I are racing 10 kilometers in support of girls' education. Any money we raise goes directly to Daraja Academy in Kenya and Joyce's education. Thank you for your help! Or, as they say in Kenya, ASANTE SANA!
Joyce is a 16-year-old girl from Taita Taveta and will graduate from Daraja with the Class of 2028. She comes from a village that Joyce describes as calm and beautiful, yet very dry. At home, she lives with her mother, two younger sisters, and great-grandfather in a two-room mud house with an outdoor fireplace. One of Joyce’s greatest challenges was trying to reach her full potential in school while struggling with hunger and studying at home without electricity.
Despite these hardships, she served as the head girl at her school. Joyce aspires to become a neurosurgeon and open her own hospital, where she can treat everyone equally and fairly. She loves singing and dancing, but also enjoys collaborating with others because it promotes peace and unity.
For Joyce, Daraja represents both her life and her future. She says it has helped her believe that she can pursue anything she wants in life.