Empowering Maasai Mara Girls Through the Power of Education
The Maasai Mara Females of the Pride Foundation is committed to empowering young girls in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya through education. Our mission is to contribute to the march toward gender equality by enabling girls to access education, acquire knowledge, and cultivate a more promising future for themselves and their community while preserving the beauty and diversity of the Mara.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every girl has the chance to pursue her dreams, where education is a right, not a privilege. By supporting girls' education, we aim to create a generation of empowered women who will lead their communities and inspire future generations.
Mike Rakwa
Meet Mike - our foundation ambassador, the heartbeat of the Mara, and the inspiration behind the Maasai Mara Females of the Pride Foundation.
Mike is a dedicated conservationist and a highly respected member of the Maasai Mara tribe. He was born and brought up in the Mara, where he studied Wildlife and Conservation at the Wildlife Tourism College. His passion for the land and wildlife conservation encompasses the entire ecosystem, with Mike being a pioneer in the formation of the Naboisho Conservancy. Mike currently works as a tour guide and a community ambassador in conservation areas. He embraces certain aspects of modernity while balancing tradition, helping us to empower the young females of the Mara by providing them with opportunities for greater independence to carve out the future of their community.
Ultimately, Mike hopes the young girls will use their high school education to continue on to university and return to the Mara, contributing to the community and extending and building upon the amazing conservation, preservation and continuation of the conservancy and its wonderful wildlife!
Our journey into the heart of the Mara began during our first visit to Kenya, where we were invigorated and inspired by the beauty, resilience, and spirit of the land and its people. Our connection with Mike Rakwa naturally deepened, and our time spent with his family and the neighbouring villages of the Naboisho Conservancy only strengthened our commitment and understanding of this ancient land. Through friendship and countless hours of discussions and fireside chats, we began to explore the challenges facing young females in Naboisho Conservancy, particularly regarding their limited access to education and, consequently, life opportunities. This barrier, driven largely by economic factors and gender inequality, severely restricts their life prospects. We recognised that while finances play a significant role, the issues are more complex. From these challenges, solutions began to emerge. With a strong sense of purpose, Mike, my wife Justyna, and I set about envisioning and establishing the Maasai Mara Females of the Pride Foundation, with the humble goal of empowering young girls through education, one student at a time!
Our thoughts and ambitions evolved, and through discussions with Mike and the village elders, we realised that the impact of our project extended beyond the immediate benefits to the girls we would support. After successfully completing their schooling, many could potentially continue to university in fields such as teaching and environmental conservation, returning to the Mara with a wealth of transferable skills for future generations. Additionally, they will possess the knowledge necessary to preserve and protect the extraordinary Naboisho Conservancy, and all the life that flourishes within it.
Esther - Our First Beneficiary
Esther, just 14 years old at the time, became a primary beneficiary of our scholarship programme. Born and raised in Maasai Mara, Esther faced numerous challenges, including the loss of her father at a very young age. Despite these hardships, she consistently excelled in her studies. However, financial difficulties forced her to withdraw from school. The Maasai Mara Females of the Pride Foundation stepped in, reconsiling Esther's outstanding tuition fees, school uniforms, and boarding expenses, allowing her to continue her education.
What We Do
School Fees and Scholarships
We provide financial support to cover school fees for secondary education. Scholarships are awarded based on need and academic potential, ensuring that girls and young females can continue their education without financial barriers.
Uniforms and School Supplies
A complete education includes more than just tuition. We supply school uniforms, books, and other necessary materials, helping girls to attend school with confidence and dignity.
Boarding and Accommodation
For many girls in the Maasai Mara, distance from school is a significant barrier. We offer boarding facilities that provide a safe and supportive environment for girls to live and study, reducing dropout rates and improving academic performance.
In the Maasai Mara, cultural and economic factors often limit girls' access to education. Early marriages, domestic responsibilities, and financial hardships force many girls to abandon their studies. By supporting their education, we not only give these girls a chance to dream and achieve but also uplift entire communities. Educated girls are more likely to invest in their families, contribute to their economies, and advocate for social change.
Why It Matters
How You Can Help
Sponsor a Girl
Your contribution can make a world of difference. Donations of any size help us provide school fees, uniforms, boarding, and essential supplies. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of educating and empowering girls.
One Family, One Student
We ask our supporting families to commit to one student for one academic year. That simple! Make a lasting impact by sponsoring a girl's education. As a sponsor, you will receive regular updates and direct feedback from the student, detailing her experiences and progress, allowing you to see firsthand the difference your support makes.
Get involved
Join our community of volunteers and advocates. Whether you help organise events, spread the word, or contribute your skills, your involvement is invaluable.
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