Education is one of the three most critical needs, among water and health clinics, in the Maasai regions in Kenya. Big Life Foundation continues to witness the hunger for education being so strong among rural Maasai communities that families bankrupt themselves, often selling their cattle (the main livelihood and sustenance commodity) to put their children through school. In response, this project will provide education scholarships for over 200 Maasai students.
The latest U.N. statistics cite over 1 million children out-of-school in Kenya. Education is one of the three most critical needs, among water and health clinics, in the Maasai regions in Kenya. Big Life Foundation continues to witness the hunger for education being so strong among rural Maasai communities in Big Life's area of operation that families bankrupt themselves, often selling their cattle (the main livelihood and sustenance commodity) to put their children through school.
The project provides scholarships for local Maasai students as well as helping to fund teacher salaries. For many marginalized Maasai children, this project is the only opportunity to access education opportunities. In addition to the direct economic and social gains that will be achieved through education, it is this next generation of educated children who will ideally become the future ecosystem leaders, and will be responsible for decisions that impact conservation efforts.
The project currently sponsors over 200 students and the salaries of 30 teachers. However, nearly 50% more students and teachers are on the waitlist, hoping for funding. There are Maasai employed and working who would have never realized their dreams if not for the help of this project. Additionally, winning the hearts and minds of the local community, and providing a mutual benefit through conservation, is the only way protect wildlife far into the future.
