Daraja Education Fund

Overview

Daraja Education Fund (DEF) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2007, with the mission to educate and empower girls from poverty to become community leaders. It primarily supports girls' education in Kenya through its partnership with Daraja Kenya Initiative (DKI), a Kenyan NGO founded in 2009.

Purpose

The organization focuses on providing high-quality educational opportunities, particularly through Daraja Academy, a free boarding school for Kenyan girls from impoverished backgrounds. Daraja Academy offers a comprehensive secondary education, aiming to foster leadership skills and inspire girls to become influential figures in their communities.

Activities

• Daraja Academy: Located in Kenya, it is one of the only completely free boarding secondary schools for girls in East Africa. The academy provides full scholarships, including room and board, to students who would otherwise lack access to secondary education.

• Leadership Development: Programs such as the Women of Integrity, Strength, and Hope (WISH) and the Grassroots Girls Club focus on imparting leadership skills to students. These initiatives encourage the development of grassroots organizations that benefit local communities.

• Transition Program: Offers practical skills training and guidance during the mandatory gap years between secondary school and university in Kenya, helping girls navigate this critical period without dropping out of the education system.

Financial Status

Daraja Education Fund is registered as a charitable organization in the United States, making donations tax-deductible. The organization relies on unrestricted funding to allocate resources efficiently, although donors can specify which programs they wish to support.

Governance

Daraja Education Fund's board of directors includes professionals from various backgrounds, ensuring diversity in leadership and governance practices. The organization emphasizes ethical transparency and inclusive recruitment processes.

Impact

By providing accessible education and empowering marginalized girls, Daraja Education Fund contributes significantly to promoting gender equality and education in underserved communities. Its efforts align with broader goals of enhancing leadership and literacy among girls in Africa, fostering a more equitable society.