"We gain wisdom through our elders; we gain vision through our young"
Engikaret Maasai Village and Primary School is located 50 kilometers from Arusha Town heading towards Longido and Namanga, which is on the boarder of Tanzania and Kenya. The village is vast with unforgiving terrain full of thorny pines trees and bush and situated at the base of Mt. Meru. It is impressive to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru and Mt. Longido at once. In the early morning and evening the deep colors of the suns rays blankets the sky with yellows, oranges, reds, purple and blues.
During the dry
season the winds blow strong in Engikaret Village lifting up the loose
dirt forming whirlwinds that whips through the plans creating havoc for
all those that travel through its path. The rivers beds are empty and
the moist soil turns arid.
During the rainy season the loose soil becomes thick as cement making it
hard to walk any distances. The rivers and streams move swiftly ripping
at the edges of the earth. The fallen soil turns the water a deep brown
or bronze making it difficult for the natives to collect water for the
day.
The Maasai people deal with severe conditions daily. In the early mornings and late afternoons the Women, children and Warriors set out to herd the cattle and goats, collect water, wood and different types of vegetation for food. Each day they wake with a smile understanding their duties for the day.
The Maasai culture is pastoral by nature. They trust their own values; believe in their own conviction, live their lives by the teaching of their elders. Going to school was never an option. Children were needed to work in the grazing land.
The Engikaret Maasai Primary school now teaches over 600 boys and girls. The students range from 5 to 18 years of age. Our students attend the Pre Primary Program ages 5-7 years old, Primary Education Program, ages 7-16 years old or the MEMkWA Program, ages 11-18 years old.
Volunteer program; volunteers and visitors are welcomed and accepted throughout the year. Please read our website www.maasaischooltz.org or contact us at one of our offices to receive further information.
Donations; 100% of the all the funds donated to Engikareti Maasai Primary School (E.M.P.S) are used directly towards the specific purpose the donor requested. Whether it is use to help build the new dining hall, purchase school supplies, medical supplies, build a fence, classroom, the funds are used as it should be. A Trust account is set up for this reason. Our lawyer oversees this trust. After receiving contributions for specific reasons he then will deposit the funds into a private bank account in the United States, which is accessible to the Consultant in Tanzania. He will provide to the Consultant and the Director of E.M.P.S.a complete description of how the funds will be spent. A receipt and complete statement is returned to the supporter. This assures that 100% of the contributions are secured.
Read more about the Maasai Primary school and Women’s programs on our website; www.maasaischooltz.org
Welcome to Engikaret Women’s Program
The village is situated at the base of Mt. Meru. On a clear day you can see Mt. Kilimanjaro, Meru and Oldonyo Lengai. It is a majestic sight.
Maasai families live in small and big traditional bomas which are scattered over the plains. Maasai in this village are pastoralist. Visit the village and experience how Maasai women work according to the age groups and gender. Women deal with domestic chores with the help of the young boys (Layoni), walk with them on their journey to gather water and prepare for their daily activities.
Engikaret is a refuge for birds and mammals. Some of the common birds seen are Masked Weaver, Ostrich, Guinea fowl, Kori Bustard, Silver bill, Secretary Bird, Red and Yellow Barbet and Sunbirds. There are mammals here that are not seen in other parks, such as, the Gerenuk, Lesser Kudu and Klipspringer. Common animals seen are the Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle, Impala and Silver-backed Jackal.
Visit mud built
bomas and share moments with Maasai women sipping tea. Listen to the
language of Maasai colors while watching the women design beadwork and
crafts whiles witnessing the old ways of survival in modern times.
Walking safaris are available or spending quality time in the village is
also a heartwarming experience and you will hold memories never
forgotten.
Camping Facilities
The women cleared the thorny pine bush which now stands as the fence to protect the model village. The camping area is kept clean and well maintained by the community.
Tents are situated inside the fence and will feel the cool breeze that blows in from Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is equipped with a campfire ring and beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Recommended Camping Gear
It is recommended that you bring a tent and sleeping bag, plenty of water for drinking and bathing, food for meals, snacks, sun hat, trousers, long sleeve jersey, sun screen, bug repellent, camera and batteries (for the camera) and binoculars.
All Items the women make are for are for sale. The profit of your visit will be used to commence and support the Women’s Program towards self-reliance and to assist the primary school and fight against poverty in the community, Karibu!
For further information on the programs please contact Audra contact us
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