On a recent safari in Kenya I was thrilled to find the Oldoinyo Oibor Primary School. The school is on land of the Masai tribe, approximately three hours from Nairobi, close to Ambsolei National Park (just in case some of you have been there).
Peninah Sindoiya Wanwea is the Head Teacher at Oldoinyo-Oibor Primary School. (White Mountain School, which is the name the Masai have for Mt. Kilmanjaro)
This beautiful Masai woman is the first woman to be given the post of Head Teacher. Her vision is to see her students writing and passing their National exams (meaning Grade 8/Class 8/Standard 8). She wishes to prove that the Masai are worthwhile and that women are not children as the Masai label them. WOW, she is truly an inspiration to her school children and to the Masai women.
The school is six classrooms, one for pre-school and then Standard 1-5. Peninah is hoping to have enough classrooms for her students to complete Standard 8. She sees her students passing the Standard 8 exams! One classroom is currently under construction thanks to the Amboseli Sopa Lodge, the largest lodge in the area, which Peninah approached for donations and they gave her funds to build a classroom! The school gets government funding for three teachers. The rest of the money comes from school fees and donations.
Now, here is what amazed me. These young children walk to school every day, some over 7km, there is no well for water and many days no food. They attend classes from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Desks, books, paper, pens and pencils are in short supply. And they are extremely happy! Yes, extremely happy. No shortage of joy! No shortage of hope!
If you are considering a donation in lieu of holiday cards and/or gifts and would like to donate to the Oldoinyo-Oibor Primary School, Peninah assures me she would be very pleased to receive your donations. You can contact her - sintopenny@gmail.com.
The quote below comes from Abe Walking Bear Sanchez, (it is not an original quote he states): “There are things and there are people. Things are to be used and people to be loved and taken care of and sometimes we become confused and love and care for things and use people.” Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all related)
A nice reminder for the holiday season!
Inspiration in Africa - 475 beaming children
“It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It is the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance. It is the one who won’t be taken who cannot seem to give. And the Soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.”- Bette Midler
Fuel to inspire the fire within. Enjoy.
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"When I have my great conflicts, what Benita did was help me to find
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in the most challenging of times and situations."
