It is extremely sad that even in the 21st century,
many girls of the Maasai do not have access to education.
There are two major obstacles denying these girls a chance for an education.
The number one barrier is poverty:
Being herdsmen, the Maasai people are forced to sell most of their livestock to meet high expenses for their children's education.
Many families are not able to raise these educational funds; therefore, many children, especially girls, are not able to enroll.
The second obstacle is culture:
Before explaining the cultural role, it is very important for you to understand that Maasai people have a very strong relationship with their children.
They truly love their children and their culture must never be determined as an abuse.
Unfortunately, some of the cultural practices are no longer important in today's world.
Therefore, we must let go of the practices that tend to pull us back.
When a girl marries, she completely becomes a member of her husband?s family and will have very little to do with her biological family.
Because of this, a girl?s education is not considered as important as boy's education since the boy never leaves the family.
If a family has to choose, it will favor their sons.
This is normally a painful decision, but with limited to no resources, sometimes decisions may not be from the heart.
Precious Life diligently works to identify neglected girls and match them with donors who pay for their education.
To learn more about our girl?s sponsorship program, please see the sponsor a girl page.
Even though Precious Life is a Christian based organization, our help extends to all members of the tribes, regardless of their faith or spiritual background.
Please work with us as we help this community find what they are desperately looking for.
