Because friends acted, the future of Maasai children won’t be cut short. Through a partnership between MAF and Help for the Maasai, isolated kids have received items that will benefit their learning, their physical wellbeing and their faith.
Story by Annet Nabbanja
“I am so happy and excited about the new gifts the school received,” said 14-year-old Elinami Thomas. “They show that people care about our education and want us to succeed.”
In rural Tanzania, education is very important. It gives young girls like Elinami a hope free from child marriage and gives all children a chance at a better life. For Elinami, school isn’t just a place of education: it’s a safe and protected future.
That’s why MAF teamed up with Help for the Maasai to raise funds to help them buy school uniforms, equipment and receive medical checkups.
The outcome of the campaign will remain engraved on the hearts of students and staff of Naserian Nursery & Primary School and Naserian Secondary School, run by Help for the Maasai.
After a successful campaign, MAF flew T-shirts, peanut butter, books, Bibles, nutritious flour and medicines to Malambo. Each pupil/student received their own Bible. It was a day full of happiness.
“I am very thankful for the support from MAF who think about our future and provide what we need for our learning. I do believe I will work hard, perform well in my studies and achieve my dreams,” said Elinami.
Emphasising hope for improved learning, Help for the Maasai director Sara Frykowski said that the new material will help students understand lessons more clearly and participate actively.
With enough books and supplies, students would practice more, complete assignments on time, and improve their academic performance.
“It showed great concern for students’ education and welfare. The organisers demonstrated commitment and compassion towards supporting learning in our school,” said Sara.
“It has motivated students to come to school. It has brought a big smile to the faces of our boys and girls.”
She noted that Bible gifts were relevant because they help in shaping students’ moral values and character. They would also encourage discipline, respect, love, and integrity among learners, which are important for both academic success and personal development. This is not only for the students for their families as well.
“They will simplify our devotions and religious sessions,” Sara said. “They will improve their spirituality as each student now has their own copy that they will be able to read in their own convenient time.
“Even the family members who are not in our school will also benefit by sharing the Word of God with our children.”
I am very thankful for the support from MAF who think about our future
The school also received medicines and medical items which will support in the screening of students for early disease detection, investigation and treatment, hence reducing morbidity. Routine deworming of students will also be supported, which prevents malnutrition and anaemia.
Daniel Koyel and Esther Futer, both students at Naserian Secondary School, were very thankful for this partnership.
“We thank you, MAF, for giving us the Bible,” said Daniel. “This Bible is very important to us not only in our academics but also spiritually. Spiritually, it helps us to know God.”
Esther was grateful for the gift of peanut butter.
“We are really thankful MAF cooperating with Help for the Maasai for sending us a gift of peanut butter which will be very helpful to our health.”
In addition to distributing gifts with the school, the MAF plane also flew back to Arusha with six patients and a caretaker to receive medical care. Overall, it was a day to be forever remembered in the Maasai community. Sara noted that the campaign was very impressive and well organised and she expressed gratitude for the organisers.
“We as Help for the Maasai community would like to sincerely thank the organisers for their generous support. Their contribution has made a positive difference in our schools,” said Sara.
“We encourage them to continue with such initiatives, as they greatly benefit students and the entire community.
“Viva the partnership between MAF and Help for the Maasai!”