"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world." Nelson Mandela
Support Our Children
Esther and Cila
In spite of global efforts to provide basic education for children, a large percentage of the world's youth are not able to attend school. The Maasai are one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa yet they are a proud and dignified people who desire to maintain their culture at all cost. This can best be explained in the words of Kabuta Oke Maimai who grew up in a small remote Maasai village, traveled to the United States to earn a Masters in Sustainable Development, and has returned to accomplish wonderful projects in his native country. He states that "a Maasai without culture is as a zebra without stripes. If we abandon our way of life, we risk extinction." So what of the children who are caught between their ancestral world and their futures? Maimai proves that it is possible to bridge both of these worlds but only with education as a catalyst. Providing uniforms, supplies, at least one nourishing meal each day, and current educational materials is the first step for many children. Uniforms are required for all Kenyan children in public schools, so what seems to be a small problem may be the very thing that keeps a child at home year after year.
Climate change and extensive periods of drought have led to grave food shortages and loss of livestock. Women News Network states that "during the days of normal climate in the region, a cow would fetch as much as $400 KES ($5.21 USD). With the drought situation the value of a cow has gone down to only $5 KES ($.07 USD), if it can manage to survive the harsh climate surrounding Kajiado." The daily care of these valued animals often falls on the shoulders of the children and the young men often are called upon to herd cows, sheep, and goats at the expense of their schooling. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who practice communal land management for the benefit of all parties. Therefore, a lack of grass may well cause a parent to 'pull up stakes' and take cows and children roaming for better pasture.
Young girls have even more difficulty overcoming social deterrents to their educations. Most are destined to a life of poverty and cultural oppression. According to the Maasai Girls Education Fund, prior to the establishment of free public education in 2003, only 20 percent of Maasai girls attended school. Since that time the rate for primary school has risen to 48 percent; however, only 5 percent of these girls attend secondary school. Girls between the ages of eleven and thirteen are often sold off for cattle and/or cash after being circumcised (FGM). Organizations such as MGEF have been pioneers in the battle to raise the self-esteem and awareness of these vulnerable girls and MEI will continue this platform through programs at Paranae Primary and through Osimlai Helpers.
Please consider a donation today. Your contribution will be used entirely for the needs of children attending Paranae Primary School and those being served by Osimlai Helpers. Thank you for making a difference in the life of a child.
Climate change and extensive periods of drought have led to grave food shortages and loss of livestock. Women News Network states that "during the days of normal climate in the region, a cow would fetch as much as $400 KES ($5.21 USD). With the drought situation the value of a cow has gone down to only $5 KES ($.07 USD), if it can manage to survive the harsh climate surrounding Kajiado." The daily care of these valued animals often falls on the shoulders of the children and the young men often are called upon to herd cows, sheep, and goats at the expense of their schooling. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who practice communal land management for the benefit of all parties. Therefore, a lack of grass may well cause a parent to 'pull up stakes' and take cows and children roaming for better pasture.
Read Janine's blog, My Name Is Naserian, at http://jevans1812.wordpress.com/