September 22, 2019
Months in advance of this trip, in addition to the obvious wildlife experiences, I explored various ways to incorporate a human connection, too. As a Chapter Leader for an organization called Dining for Women, which funds grassroots organizations that empower women and girls in the developing world, I recalled learning about Maasai Girls Education Fund (MGEF), which provides school scholarships and community education in the region of Kajiado, a couple hours south of Nairobi.
I scrolled through their website, reading accounts of girls who desperately need a lifeline to save them from forced early marriage and the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). Each story was heart-wrenching, but I was particularly touched by one mother’s relentless commitment:
Abandoned by her alcoholic husband, Grace Soia’s mother toiled as a laundress to support her four children. Knowing that a decent education was the only chance for her 12-year-old daughter to have a better life, she showed up at the MGEF office at least twice a month for nearly a year. She pleaded with them to find a sponsor who would provide a scholarship for Grace who had been sent home for lack of school fees.
After reading this story, I was hooked and immediately signed on to provide a scholarship for Grace (only $100/month). Along with my hubbie, Scott, and a good friend, Gloria, I departed a few days in advance in order to meet Grace and her mother. Our travel dates coincided with those of MGEF’s Executive Director, Heather McKay, so our visit was particularly enriching and educational. On one of the days in Kajiado, we accompanied Heather and the Chief out into the countryside to see the land he had donated to MGEF. We endured a bumpy, dusty 90-minute drive to the middle of nowhere to see the plot and visit a Maasai family compound. This was definitely NOT on the tourist trail.
My photos tell the story better than I can:
The wealth of a Maasai man is expressed by the size of his herd of cattle, goats, and sheep. His wives are “purchased” (as in a dowry) with livestock.
This was my 4th travel program to East Africa … and it was more extraordinary than anything I’d experienced in past years.
Everyone has high expectations for eye-popping wildlife experiences, and our trip didn’t disappoint. But the connections and interactions with the Kenyan people, as I’ve shared in this post, are trophy memories we’ll treasure forever.
In the next installment of this blog, I’ll recount the story of Kamuti – a former poacher. I’ll share some of my best wildlife pics. And you’ll learn what’s involved in the exhaustive conservation efforts, including land leases, ranger training, education and scholarship programs, water holes and salt licks, employment and volunteer training, among other initiatives. And, I’ll introduce to you Richard Corcoran, a 4th-generation Kenyan who has devoted his life to conservation and support of the tribes of Kenya, and who added immeasurably to the richness of our travel experience.
AND – we’re going to schedule another WOW! Kenya trip in 2020! Add your details to the comments below if you want to receive the advance announcement of this unforgettable adventure!
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2 Comments
Ariella Rutschman September 26, 2019 at 7:12am
Marilyn you are such a fantastic person. Your pictures and commentary certainly “ wowed” me and tugged at my heart. What a beautiful and inspiring trip. Randy and I would certainly like to hear more!
Marilyn September 27, 2019 at 3:51pm
Hi Ariella! Thanks . . . and I’m glad I tugged at your heart. I’ll add you two to my “interest” list for the next one. Would love to travel with you. xxoooxo MM