Maasai village and school

On Monday we left the Endoro Lodge after a great breakfast (they had cereal and waffles!!) and headed out to the Maasai pre-school. 

Again there was beautiful scenery throughout the drive. I was so happy just to sit and look out the window at the fields, Maasai villages, waving children and animals along the way!

We pulled up to the Ngorongoro Pre-School in the Enduleni Village.  The school, opened by Zara Tours and Zara Charity,  has only been open since May 20th, and we were among the first western visitors!

                     

As a developing country, Tanzania struggles to provide a high quality of infrastructure and education, and the Maasai community has one of the highest illiteracy and lowest school enforcement in East Africa. This is primarily due to a lack of schools and their pastoral way of life. Maasai children have been known to walk barefoot for up to 20km to a primary school within parks where there is a danger of an animal attack.
The cost of education remains a large obstacle. Most families live on less than US$0.80 per day and it’s not rare for a family to have around eight children, while some Maasai warriors have up to 60 wives. Research shows that nearly 60% of Maasai children under five years old are physically stunted, which is an indicator of chronic malnutrition. Studies also show that only 5% of elementary school students continue to high school, and that girls are the most disadvantaged as they are expected to stay at home to help their mother take care of the house and family.(zaratours.worldpress.com). 

The students and teacher greeted us outside. I know it may seem odd that they are wearing sweaters, but it is winter there, so the temps feel cold to them!  There are 40 students enrolled but many live too far away to attend on a daily basis. Dormitories are being built to rectify this. 

We went inside and listened to the children recite the ABCs in English and Swahili. Part of the challenge with this group is that the Maasai speak their own language so the children need to learn both Swahili and English. 

After introductions, we split the children into groups with each volunteer. I had an opportunity to work with the teacher and show them the materials that we brought and ways they can be used for instruction. 

We taught them some basic English phrases and did activities with colors and numbers.  Then it was outside to play some soccer! 

                                          

The teacher showed us some of their games including Simba, Simba, Tembo, which means Lion, Lion, Elephant and is played like Duck, Duck , Goose!

We also played a game where some children were lions and others were running across the field to their father. 

Justin taught the kids, and the Maasi, how to play frisbee. 

            

We went back inside for more singing and dancing - both American style and Maasai. 

                

Then it was back outside for more running around and some group photos. We had an opportunity for a photo with some young Maasai warriors taking part in the Enkipaata rite of passage.