We
are delighted to announce that Merrueshi Maasai High School
Project has been completed!
Up
until 2007 Maasai children from Kenyawa, Mashuuru division,
Kajiado District, Kenya had to attend high schools located
outside the region. Due to cultural challenges and high
tuition cost, most Maasai children from Kenyawa could not
further their studies beyond primary school. A majority
of those students who had the chance to attend high schools
in the urban areas either dropped out or performed poorly.
As a result, Maasai parents from Kenyewa yearned for a local
high school.
Prompted
by the voices of Maasai parents, the Maasai Association
offered to assist by building the Maasai High School. Prior
to the Maasai High School, the nearest high school in the
region was 120 kilometers away from Kenyawa.
The
Maasai High School will increase educational opportunities
for 350 Maasai children who currently lack a culturally
conducive and economically affordable learning environment.
It is anticipated that more Maasai children will now have
the opportunity to realize their academic potentials as
a result of the Maasai High School.
Advantages
of the Maasai High School
The
Maasai High School has several important advantages. For
example, it was developed in direct response to the needs
and interests of the local Maasai people and will be managed
by the Maasai people. Also, the high school is located inside
the Maasai region and is cheaper than schools in the urban
areas. These advantages will dramatically increase the number
of students who receive a high-quality education in Maasai
land. Furthermore, the school has a mandate to employ local
teachers who have a firm understanding of Maasai culture
and customs, and who have achieved a professional teaching
certificate from an accredited teacher’s college in
Kenya.
The
long-term goal for Maasai High School is to graduate Maasai
girls and boys who will in turn contribute to the survival,
progress, and development of the Maasai people. Graduates
will build skills and knowledge needed to participate effectively
in the modern world, without losing their native culture
and traditional ways of life. The first class of students
started February 5th, 2007. We plan to graduate at least
350 students who currently lack access to high school education
by the end of December 2010.
Sustainability
Financing
for the school will be sustained through the use of tuition
money from students.
Each
student will pay a fee of $150 per three-month term. This
amount is $100 dollars less than schools in the urban areas.
Maasai Association has established a scholarship program
for disadvantaged and bright children. Eventually, the school
will become sustainable, and the students’ tuition
dollars will cover the costs of running and maintaining
the school year to year.
Following
is our strategic timeline for 2007 and beyond.
