From 4th to 8th May 2025, Hawthorne Scribner High School had the honor of visiting Daraja Academy for a benchmarking and educational tour designed to foster cross-institutional learning and collaboration. The week-long experience offered Hawthorne Scribner teachers a unique opportunity to engage with Daraja’s distinctive approach to girls’ education—an approach that combines academic excellence with character and leadership. The visit aimed to provide Hawthorne Scribner educators with an immersive experience of Daraja’s innovative educational model, particularly its unique integration of academic instruction with leadership development for girls from underserved communities. It also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on best practices in teaching, school culture, and student empowerment.

On arrival, the Hawthorne-Scribner staff were warmly welcomed by the Daraja staff, followed by a presentation on the academy’s mission, curriculum, and the impact of its W.I.S.H. (Women of Integrity, Strength, and Hope) programme. The visitors then embarked on a comprehensive campus tour, observing classrooms, facilities, and community spaces that support holistic student development.

Throughout the day, the Hawthorne Scribner teachers engaged in structured benchmarking sessions with their Daraja counterparts, exploring key areas such as:

• Innovative teaching strategies and classroom management
• Integration of life skills and leadership into the curriculum
• Student mentorship and support systems
• Community engagement and sustainability practices

A roundtable discussion allowed both teams to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities in their educational contexts. The exchange highlighted the value of resilience, creativity, and collaboration in driving student success—especially in resource-constrained environments.

Speaking on behalf of the team, one of the Hawthorne Scribner teachers noted:

“Daraja Academy offers an inspiring model of what it means to educate with purpose. The commitment to both academic excellence and character development is truly commendable. We leave here with fresh ideas and deep respect for the work being done.”

Hawthorne Scribner High School is grateful for the visit and looks forward to exploring future collaboration with Daraja Academy. The exchange reaffirmed the shared belief that quality education, when delivered with heart and vision, has the power to transform lives.