In an effort to increase awareness of their culture and raise money for their community, representatives of the Simba Maasai Outreach Organization (SIMOO) have spent the last eight weeks traveling across the United States giving presentations at schools and universities.
Francis Nkitoria Ole Sakuda, John Lemeloi Ole Sakuda, Jane Naserian Kamuasi, and Alice Kitapo Meshana are Maasai from the Rift Valley of Kenya. Their organization, SIMOO, works to improve the living standards of Maasai communities while promoting Maasai culture.
On November 9, these Maasai spent the morning at North Reading Middle School in Massachusetts, teaching sixth and seventh grade students about their lives. Wearing traditional red clothing and beaded jewelry, they taught the students to say hello in Maasai and to count using Maasai sign language. Lemeloi Ole Sakuda, a teacher, told the students that Maasai students and teachers sometimes walk three hours to school. Maasai children are also taught through oral traditions.
The North Reading students learned about the Maasai system of government, which includes a council of elders, and the importance of children in keeping peace in Maasai communities. "A child can stop a fight between two men by picking some green grass and showing it to them. If you show them grass and they continue to fight, they will be fined nine cows each by the elders," explained Lemeloi. Because the Maasai are pastoralist and rely heavily on cattle, taking cows as payment is a serious punishment that can affect the livelihood of a Maasai family, similar to taking a car from an American family. Students were invited on stage to learn and perform the song children sing when a council of leaders is appointed.
"These kids aren’t exposed to anything in the way of cultural diversity," said social studies teacher Kathryn Jones. Principal Richard Hodges said that the event was important because it allowed the students to understand that they are a small part of a diverse world.
Joe Addario and Neil Rooney, both in sixth grade, agreed it was important to learn about other cultures and that they would like to visit Kenya.
In the evening, the members of SIMOO gave a presentation at Framingham State College, where they elaborated on some of the contemporary issues faced by Maasai communities. The discussion touched on Maasai women’s issues and daily lives, the Kenyan government’s interest in privatization, and tourism.
SIMOO will use the money they raise from their tour to build wells in their community, sponsor girls' education, support advocacy efforts for Maasai land rights, and fund various other small projects.
