Maa-Nursery: The Future Begins in Kindergarten

In many Maasai communities on the border between Kenya and Tanzania, children traditionally have a low social status. They are seen as a resource for the community and are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. They often have to herd cows and goats or fetch water – they are not allowed to attend school.

Maasai girls in particular have little chance of an education or a self-determined life later on. This makes it all the more important to create safe places of education that not only impart knowledge, but also recognize children’s basic rights to education, development and carefree play.

A protected learning and play space
The project offers 220 children aged 2 to 6 a safe place where they can play carefree and gain their first learning experiences with numbers and letters. The brightly painted walls with maps, numbers and letters serve as playful teaching aids and promote early childhood education.

In the adjoining canteen, the children also receive the only guaranteed meal of the day – a crucial contribution to their health and ability to concentrate.

Construction and opening
Construction work began on June 20, 2013. After just two months, the two buildings – kindergarten and canteen – were officially opened on August 23, 2013.