Maasai Missions is an NGO, set up in 1993, providing for the total development and well-being of the poor and needy. Their commitments lie in the spiritual, mental, social and physical development of the Maasai group. They focus especially on:
- Medical services, including HIV/AIDS programmes and disabled rehabilitation programmes
- Maasai school sponsorship programmes and orphanage services for street children
- Water projects and as well as food security issues
- Education and empowerment of women
- Environmental protection and veterinary services
Community worker
- Teaching in the primary and secondary schools
- Create awareness about HIV/AIDS and provide care and support
- Work in the orphanages, help with general administration and look after and play with the children
- Implementing feeding programmes
- Administrative work for the church and the bible college
As a child I dreamed of going to Africa. Despite raising money for charities since I was twelve, I still felt helpless here in the UK - thousands of miles from those that really needed assistance. Growing up, I knew I could be so much more proactive in helping the underprivileged, so at the age of 23, after months of research and planning, I left my hometown of West Bromwich for two months voluntary work in Kenya. The experience was uplifting and completely life-changing.
I will always remember taking my first step off the plane in Kenya; I was immediately hit by a wave of hot, humid tropical air. To have finally arrived in Africa felt incredible - there was an indefinable buzz in the air, and as I was swept along by the crowd, I couldn't help but smile. I collected my bags at the airport and stepped through the doors to be greeted by my host, Pastor David Kereto.
I experienced my first taste of the African way of life on the four-hour journey from the airport to David's village of Naisoya. Everything seemed so surreal, worlds apart from anything I was used to back home. The roads were not only bumpy, but extremely chaotic; there appeared to be no rules at all - and yet they laughed at me when I put my seat belt on! I continued to hear the word "Muzungu" (white person) being shouted, usually followed by giggles from small children who would surround the vehicle I was in whenever it stopped.
I arrived at Pastor David Kereto's family house - my home for the next eight weeks. I spent the first few hours being shown the ropes and hearing about life as a Masai. The Masai are one of the most recognizable tribes in Africa because their culture has not seen the widespread modernization that many others have. They are best known for their beautiful beadwork, bright red robes and their courageous nature.
The hospitality of the Kereto family was quite overwhelming. Within a week of arriving, they were calling me their English-Indian daughter Pam. Adjusting to the new diet, and to having no running water, electricity, or a flushing toilet was hard at first, but I soon got used to things and was just so happy to be living in such a loving household.
The 15 children I lived with (ten of whom were orphans), were absolutely fantastic. We exchanged so much knowledge about religion, language, music, and family values; and had so much fun. They reminded me why I was there - they were the ones who drove me forward and pushed me to the limit. By the end of my stay, not only had my own confidence soared, but the children's had too. We had all come such a long way.
Over the two months I gradually fell in love with Naisoya. There's no doubt it took time to get used to Masai culture, but living and working with the locals meant I felt a real part of the community. I became a familiar face in the village and made many friends who I would say hello to each day. Masai people are one of the friendliest tribes in Africa and so interesting to talk to.
Part of my voluntary placement was to teach English at three schools in the local village - Naisoya, Rotian Ole Naeku and Rokonka Primary School. The buildings were nothing more than a rundown hall
or derelict barn. They were made of wood, and some were infested with mosquitoes and flooded when it rained. It was not uncommon to find three different classes being taught in one room. Teaching came as quite a challenge - especially when your classroom consists of four walls of scrap wood nailed together, and forty children squeezed inside, too poor to afford paper, let alone shoes. All the teachers and students were incredibly friendly and the teaching itself has been one of the most joyful experiences of my life. I didn't have any teaching experience, but the enthusiasm of the students and the support of the teachers and my fellow volunteer made it easy and enjoyable. It's amazing when you get a whole class to discuss something in a language they are usually afraid to use because they are scared of making mistakes.
Aside from teaching I was also involved in implementing feeding programmes for the street children of Naisoya, and working with HIV/AIDS victims and disabled children. Every day I spent with them made me realise how fortunate we are here in the west. It never ceased to amaze me that despite the surrounding poverty, the children had such a zest for life. Wherever I went into the local town the younger street children would always surround me, tugging onto my arms shouting "Pam, Pam, Pam". They would always smile and look cheerfully at me; I felt a happiness that was very infectious and always made my day.
The majority of my time was spent in Naisoya volunteering, but there was also so much else going on. I was fortunate to visit Masai Mara - "the seventh new wonder of the world", and got right up close with wildebeest, zebras, lions, gazelles and buffalos who roamed gracefully on the dry land.
There were so many highlights that combined to make my time so fantastic: playing with the children, the three-hour church services, the incredible rhythm and ability to sing and dance which all the Masai seem to naturally possess, fitting 15 people into a matatu (a poor man's taxi), bartering for everything, and a cooking lesson on how to prepare the traditional dish of Ugali.
Despite the obvious poverty and difficult times, I was really sad to leave such a beautiful and peaceful land. The Masai are some of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure of meeting. They were so friendly and so grateful for everything I did for them, and seeing how happy people can be when they have so little is very humbling. I feel so privileged to have been a part of their life. They have given me such an appreciation for my life and the opportunities open to me, not to mention a lasting set of memories and relationships. I am so glad I made the decision to take the plunge and go there. The experience was a huge learning curve for me. What I saw and went through has really changed my outlook on life. After living with the Masai community, I feel that our culture lacks the value of respect, generosity, and hospitality that they embody as a community. I also believe that we as a society could learn from the Masai culture, as the majority are open, kind, giving and selfless. All I can say is: travel, volunteer and visit Kenya! You will love every minute of it!