Maasai Boma Schoolhouses

Tipape Daniel Loomu - Project Director

In its effort to ensure local ownership of this project, ADEA has hired Tipape Loomu to manage the development and instigation of this project. Tipape is a 24-year-old recent graduate in philosophy. Because of his immense love for the Lord and his deep concern for the future his people, he has committed a minimum of two years to this project. Funds are needed to: provide Tipape with a salary, office rental and supplies, and ultimately construction costs (the first year curriculum has already been donated).

Crisis:

Hemmed in by game parks, the Maasai of Rombo, Kenya have lost much of their traditional grazing lands, and have been forced settle on land ill-suited for agriculture. They now believing that broader education is key to their future survival, however it is estimated that less than 15% of their children receive formal education due to the cost and location of boarding schools (the only educational option available). Using the model of the early American “One-room Schoolhouse” in farming communities - we are supporting these Maasai to make their dream of education a reality.

Making education accessible to the Maasai children of Rombo while keeping families together and their rich heritage alive.

Accessible education will avoid the necessity to favor one child over another, frequently boys over girls

In March 2007 we established our first preschool class in Lemong’o with 21 students upon the contribution of curriculum. As of Nov. ’07 the school has grown wonderfully. We have trained three teachers, enrolled 60 new preschool students, two new classrooms have been built by AMREF, and funds for curriculum and furniture has been provided by Seattle’s University Pres. Church and other contributions. Our 2008 challenge is to fully furnish these classrooms with a desk, chair, curriculum and uniform for every child.