The Daraja 360 mentorship program for the children focuses on ensuring that children are enrolled in school and accorded all the necessary support in determining their next step in life.
Education is without a doubt very essential in ensuring that children will attain good living standards and achieve success. However, we agree with the fact that not all are enabled academically.
There are people in the world who are turning the world upside down – rich people who never saw the doorstep to a classroom but they discovered their God-given abilities input all their time therein sharpened their tools_ and eventually_ the talents created a room for them in the society. They are now employers, mentors, and great role models.
For this reason, we decided to celebrate the day Kenya attained its self-independence- Madaraka day in style. This was well embraced by the students given that they had proposed the idea- which showed that the project has the best of their interest at heart. It was a great opening for them to discover and showcase what they are good at, either handwork or otherwise.
Remarkably is that the children took up the role of planning, organizing, budgeting, and implementing all the activities
The platform was meant to make students feel appreciated and acknowledged as they exhibit their skills and diverse abilities which in turn will entice them to keep the good work_ to have a break from the boredom of being in books for the last three months.
Additionally, it was to get rid of the Covid-19 related stress and expressing their feelings and emotions. Lastly, it was a way of evaluating the soft skills and values imparted to them over time –leadership, communication, cleanliness, orderliness, confidence, planning among others.
The activities of the day which included cake baking, mat crocheting, cooking, Beauty therapy, Interior decoration, drawing and painting, Graphic design, Singing, dancing, Tongue twisters, and Deejaying took place as planned. The day was amusing for everyone.
We had invited five guests from various fields who have been walking with us on a voluntary basis-this time they came in as judges for the event. They all commented that the children are well taken care of and that there are many hidden talents that Daraja should to harness and support.
Esther showing the Chief Guest Current Status of Living at Daraja 360 Home
The day was, interactive, exploratory, and enjoyable and was an ‘Eye to future’. Gratitude goes to the management and sponsors who had made the day a success.
They also picked a few lessons such as: appreciating others, service to others, teamwork and submission, being open-minded and focused, self-acceptance, ability to take criticism positively, among other important life lessons. The managers also took time to put across their sentiments that were very informative to the children. In light of the impacts the event had, it was agreed that to have such events every quarter can help improve skills and talents in these young adults. Together, being a bridge of love, we drive out fear- even in the time of Covid-19