Marin / Daraja Academy Service Learning 2011: Tuesday evening

Our day began at the crack of dawn – we had to wake up at 5:45 to be at the soccer field by 6. For some of us, it was closer to 6:05 (the boys). We began the day with stretches on the field and then we played a game with our Daraja group on one side and the girls on the other (we won 1-0, but not before Jamie nearly killed himself while flinching/trying to jump away from Paige's shot).

By 6:30, I was fully awake after exercising. We then helped the girls with their morning duties. This included everything from cutting the weeds to scrubbing the bathroom floor. Luckily, the girl I shadow doesn't do morning chores, so I was able to take a (freezing) shower. We then all met in the dining hall for a hot breakfast at 7:30.

At 8:00 we walked up to our first class of the today. I continued to be incredibly impressed with the dedication each girl has when it comes to her school work. After 9 classes, I was ready for bed, but there continued to be clubs and laundry washing.

Although most of us were tired at the end of the day, these small activities that we do with the girls gives us more chances to converse and hear their stories. We are truly bonding with them on the deepest of levels and each one of them is truly unique and leaves me looking at my life in a whole new way.

Kenia Cobb

P.S. DINNER WAS CHAPATI!!! BEST NIGHT EVER (from Jono)


Lizzy and Julia lead a music workshop...

...while Paige and Sumari teach some American dance moves!

Daraja students receive their Bay to Breakers medals at a special ceremony!

7.5 miles completed by all

Daraja girls sing for a group of touring ultra-marathoners who will be competing nearby in a 75 km race. The race supporters chose to support Daraja as part of their efforts.