Education Program Update: Another Term at the Kanzi Academy

Jambo! Happy New Year from Kanzi Academy! Everyone returned to school revived and refreshed after the Christmas break, ready to begin 2015 in earnest.

It has been a wonderful half term. The children began their year with a trip to a local shamba (farm) here on Kuku Group Ranch. They learned how crops grow, investigated the requirements of seasonal planting, and even did some basket weaving!

Class 1 hard at work

All the students continue to progress well with their academic studies. However, Kanzi Academy is focused on more than just academic success. We emphasize the importance of effort both inside and outside the classroom. We also connect to the environment around us and reflect on our need of it. This, in turn, prompts much discussion and learning.

Class 3 concentrates on their art project

Teamwork is an important ethic of the Academy as well. As such, the students of Class 3 have continued to develop team building skills, reflective practice, and peer-to-peer support. They have also been researching and learning about Gandhi, an inspirational and interesting leader who spread the message of peace. We will continue this unit after our mid-term break.

All students enjoying their surrounding environment in PE

Class 1 are settling into a more formal style of learning and are demonstrating greater responsibility for their own learning needs. Teachers do not think for the students here at Kanzi Academy; instead we encourage all the children to be free thinkers. As adults, our job is to guide and direct. The results are often organic and overwhelmingly creative. When children are involved in their own learning, we get very excited!

From all of us here at Academy, we say "kwaheri" (goodbye) and look forward to updating you again soon.
- Sarah and the Kanzi Academy Team

A fantastic photo of Head Teacher, Sarah, with Class 1 and Class 3!

Solar Lights for Women's Empowerment

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust is pleased to report on some exciting news that has evolved over the past few months as a result of an exciting collaboration. The organization New Course has donated 300 portable solar lanterns (produced by MPOWERED) to MWCT. New Course is an organization seeking to empower women around the world through innovative programs in "conservation, sustainability, and poverty alleviation".

Conservation Manager, Lana Muller, and well as MWCT Outreach Officer, Joseph Lariumbe,
together with the one of the women's groups from Iltilal

The lights, named "Luci Lights" are elegant, light-weight, maintenance free, and waterproof solar lights that are easy-to-use, and of high quality!

Demonstration of how the lights work and how to best care for them

The distribution of the donation will be to women's groups across Kuku Group Ranch. Currently, most Maasai women are buying kerosene for lighting in their homes. Not only is this an expensive investment, it is also very damaging and harmful to their health of the family living inside the home.

The women receiving their lights and testing them out!

The women are given the offer to receive a Luci Light, if they agree to contribute 50% of the money that they will save on fuel on a monthly basis, to the women groups. This money will be used by the group to start their own enterprise (ie. selling beads, purchasing energy efficient cooking stoves, etc.)

MWCT has organized meetings with 7 women's groups of 5 different villages on Kuku Group Ranch to introduce the lights to the community. The villages visited thus far have been: Iltilal, Kuku, Langata, Olorike, and Ilchalai.

Very grateful for their lights!

There is tremendous enthusiasm amongst the women in the communities across Kuku Group Ranch that have taken part in this project thus far. The lights are benefiting them in sustainable and tangible ways; mothers can breast feed at night, children are able to study at home in the evening, and health benefits are improving as they are not producing smoke such as their kerosene lamps.

Women testing out their lights

These lamps have helped thousands of people around the world, and are now having a wonderfully positive impact on the Maasai community of Kuku Group Ranch. 

Further, the lights have also been distributed to 8 MWCT Community Ranger sectors. Each sector has received two lights to improve their living conditions and promote the light project in the community. The rangers are all very positive about the change with the lights, and many have request to get a Luci Light for their wife at home. Any woman part of a women's group on Kuku Group Ranch will have the opportunity to purchase a light.

The Treasurer of one of the Iltilal Women's Group counting their savings

Please visit MPOWERED's website at https://www.mpowered.com to learn more about these solar lights. We look forward to continue to update you on the progress of the distribution of these lights!

Luci Solar Lights distribution across Kuku Group Ranch. Orange Luci Lights pictograms show locations of women group Luci Lights project; Green Luci Light pictograms show position of ranger teams with Luci Lights.

Introducing... the Volunteer Safari!

Would you like to effect positive change as you travel?  Why not volunteer on vacation?  The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Campi ya Kanzi are thrilled to introduce the new volunteer safari!  Guests are invited to volunteer with MWCT for three weeks while also enjoying a discounted stay at Campi ya Kanzi.  These guests will receive the same five-star treatment that Campi ya Kanzi is known for while also making a difference for the local Maasai community.

Are you ready to put your talents to use?  By traveling to the Chyulu Hills and the Maasai-owned Kuku Group Ranch, you can support the local economy while also helping to protect the wildlife and people who live here.  Make an impact in the areas of conservation, education, and health as you immerse yourself in the colorful Maasai culture and explore the unspoiled wilderness of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem.  During your stay, you will live in a luxurious tented cottage, enjoy Italian cuisine at Tembo House, and split your time between safari and volunteer activities.  Spend the morning teaching a science lesson to local Maasai schoolchildren, then take a game drive and watch the sun set over Mount Kilimanjaro with a refreshing gin and tonic.  Vacation for a good cause and enjoy the trip of a lifetime as you promote positive change for the Maasai.  Read on to learn how you can help.

 

Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust

  
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization in southern Kenya that works to protect wilderness, wildlife, and culture across the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem through projects that directly benefit the local Maasai community.  MWCT has developed conservation, education, and health programs which demonstrate that the Maasai can thrive by managing their environment wisely.  MWCT employs nearly 250 Kenyans and serves a population of 17,000 Maasai.  To learn more about MWCT, visit www.maasaiwilderness.org.
   

How You Can Help 
      

Conservation

        •    Assist with wildlife counts
        •    Accompany MWCT rangers on their monitoring patrols
        •    Place camera traps in various locations and analyze their photo data of wildlife
        •    Teach lessons about the environment in local primary schools

Health

        •    Participate in health outreach events
        •    Assist the doctor at a local health clinic
                    o    Help with infant check-ups and immunizations
                    o    Record patient data in medical files
                    o    Assist with the dispensation of medicine at the pharmacy
        •    Give health talks in local primary schools
                    o    Possible topics include HIV/AIDS, puberty, and substance abuse

Education
        •    Teach guest lessons at a local school in the subject of your choice
        •    Assist the librarian at the Iltilal school library
        •    Help the teachers to prepare lessons, worksheets, and PowerPoint presentations

Other

We value the specific talents that you bring to MWCT.  Tell us about your skill set so we can put it to use in the best possible way.
        •    Are you an artist?  Paint a mural at a local school or health clinic.
        •    Are you a botanist?  Assist the conservation team with rangeland monitoring.
        •    Are you a photographer?  Take pictures for our website and social media platforms.
        •    Are you a blogger?  Write about your volunteer experiences on the MWCT blog.

Ready to sign up?  For more information, contact bookings@maasai.com.

Education Program Update - Dreams Turned Reality!

July 3, 2014 was the official grand opening of the brand new Iltial Primary School Library! With the presence of MWCT Founder, Luca Belpietro, MWCT President, Samson Parashina, MWCT Education Coordinator, Titus Muia, and Charles and Rita Field-Marsham, the library was officially declared open! A truly exciting day for the community of Iltial, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, and the whole of Kuku Group Ranch! 

Students of Iltilal Primary School wait patiently for the grand opening! 

You can read more about the library project, funded entirely by the Charles and Rita Field-Marsham Foundation on our previous blog post here! Most importantly, this library is the first of its' kind for the Foundation, focusing primarily on conservation, wildlife, and the environment - aligning seamlessly with the mission of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust!

The library is of stunning construction - beautifully created for the purposes of providing a calming, relaxing, and ideal place for students to expand their knowledge through the use of amazing technologies and materials. The library features a Smart Board (interactive touch screen), two computers with connectivity, plenty of table/chair stations, and beautiful shelves filled with over 2000 brand new books! 

Students and teachers already making use of the new smart board! 

The grand opening event was truly special! Attended by all Iltilal Primary School students, their mothers and fathers, leading community members, staff of MWCT and Campi ya Kanzi, and the Field-Marsham Family. Demonstrations of poetry and traditional dance were enjoyed prior to the official opening.

Iltilal Primary School traditional Maasai dance

The unveiling of the doors, and KEY signature - "Knowledge Empowering Youth"

Below, MWCT President and Chairman, Samson Parshina, and MWCT Founder, Luca Belpietro, share words of appreciation, and  further of encouragement for the students to utilize the library, emphasizing the realization of the distribution of beneficial knowledge for generations to come! 

MWCT Education Coordinator, Titus Muia, opens the ceremony

Across Kuku Group Ranch, 19 primary schools, and 1 secondary school are supported by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust - with a total of 7000 students enrolled, 50 certified teachers and 10 support staff employed. The opening of this revolutionary facility at Iltilal Primary School will allow for Education to now blossom even further into the region, providing once-unavailable educational opportunities to thousands of students!

Conservation Program Update - Singila Update

Earlier last month, the school of the Kanzi Academy went on an school outing early morning game drive. An incredibly fortunate game drive brought them to spot 2 lionesses and 4 cubs, with help of their Campi ya Kanzi guide Parashi. 

When they came closer to the lions, they noticed that one lioness was collared and assumed it to be Namunyak. 

A sleepy Singila

Parashi informed the Conservation Team and the Simba Scouts and we went immediately out to the area suspecting it to be a different lion, as Namunyak does not usually come into that area where the lions were reported to be seen. 

We were happy happy to see her healthy and well!

Luckily enough the lions were still around, and after more than 6 months without any good observations the old lioness, Singila appeared with her new companion. The cubs had unfortunately moved into the lava rocks and were no longer visible. 

Singila is the oldest collared female lion on Kuku Group Ranch. She is approximately 11 years old, which is quite extraordinary for a lion on community land. Female lions generally live longer than male lions (as males will often be involved in territorial fights that can be fatal).

She is a well known resident of Kuku Group Ranch; it is quite extraordinary for a female lion to coexist on community land for this length of time. She is quite a well-behaved lion, and it has been wonderful to have had her around for so long.

Singila has successfully raised a few litters during her time on the Group Ranch. She has been collared twice so far, once in 2008, and once in 2011. She is recognizable by her unusual and unique "folded" left ear (seen in the photo below). We were so excited to see her recently, as it has been quite some time! We hope to continue to have more updates about this healthy lioness.

MWCT President in New York

Last week, Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust President, Samson Parashina, returned from a 10 day journey to the United States. Organized by the Kenya Tourism board, Samson travelled along with a group of others for the purposes of spreading a specific message of Kenya, tourism, and conservation, to the USA.

MWCT President - Samson Parashina

Samson was a Community Ambassador on this journey to the USA, representing the Maasai community of Kenya (the Southern region). Others in the group included: a second Community Ambassador representing the Turkana (Northern) region of Kenya, there was a representative from the Kenya Wildlife Service, and there were a few representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board.

The representatives from Kenya at US News & World Report

Together with all of the individual presentations given, the message that this group wanted to provide to its' audience emphasized that visitors to these particular communities in Kenya (Maasai and Turkana were the specific examples), are making a tremendously positive impact on both the communities, and the environment. Samson shared the many success stories of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (Wildlife Pays Program, tourism partnership with Campi ya Kanzi, the Simba Scout Program, the Maasai Olympics) and how tourism, and visitors has allowed this organization to succeed and flourish within the community.

In front of Fordham University

Whilst in the US, Samson had the opportunity to share this message to: The UNDP (United Nations Development Program) in New York, Fordham Law School in New York, 70+ Journalists from in and around the New York area, National Geographic Traveller, The US News/World Report, the Smithsonian Magazine, and many many more.

At National Geographic Traveller

This journey was not only essential for establishing a positive image for tourism in Kenya the particular regions represented; but also to fully communicate that conservation and tourism CAN and WILL work together. Samson emphasized this passionately on his journey, through examples of what has happened, and what is currently going on here right now, on Kuku Group Ranch.

Education Program Update - Another Term at Kanzi Academy

Jambo! And so another half term comes to an end at the Kanzi Academy. All of the children have finished their final exams and have done well as expected. This has left a number of school jobs and fun to be had!

We enjoyed a bush walk earlier this week, which saw us walk some distance to where we capture all of our rainwater here at Campi ya Kanzi. It was very interesting for the children to see where the water collection begins, and then follow the path down to the "bladders" which store all of the water. Practically identifying with where our water comes from and reliance on the rain, as well as understand how and where it is stored, is vitally important. We cannot simply leave raps running here at school or Camp - every drop of water is precious.

Viewing the water catchment from afar! 

We also made traditional "shakers". It is a wonderful, cultural experience for the children to know how to utilize what is around them in order to make something worthwhile and fun. As ever, during life at KA, it is not just about the "end result", but the process we go through when doing things. Both the bush walk and shaker-making prompted the use of new skills, new vocabulary, and heightened awareness. We worked as a team and looking out for, and after each other - very valuable life-skills I'm sure you'd agree!

Students making "shakers"

So, as the end of the week is upon us, the children head home and so do we, the staff team. We return to school in three weeks to begin the third and final term of this school year! Time sure does fly! Karibu tena!

- Head Teacher, Sarah

Head Teacher, Sarah, with Class 2

Education Program Update - Kanzi Academy is Back!

Welcome back to the second half term 2 at the Kanzi Academy!

We have all returned in good spirits and full of joy - ready to learn, have fun, and contribute to our immediate environment, and learn ways of living that will affect and improve the future of our planet.

Here at Kanzi Academy the fundamental teaching is incredibly important. Every child should have a firm foundation on which to build his or her educational future. However, here at KA, we beleive that each and every child also has the right to learning with integrity. By that, mean that learning has to be applicable to life, holistic, and purposeful.

As teachers, we need to show the children "the way". We give them tools for learning... but not everyone hits the nail with a hammer the way! Therefore, our "leaders of tomorrow" have to hone their skills and learn that there are many different strategies that can be used to solve any given problem. The delight, as a teacher, is in observing the processes and choices the children use to get there.

This half term is a short one at Kanzi Academy. I do not want to say that this half term is "packed with all the usual learning"... I would rather say it is "packed with all of the unusual learning". Let's be different; let's break the mould!

Stay tuned to the blog for more updates and pictures to follow! Karibu tena!

- Head Teacher Sarah

Education Program - The Kanzi Academy

The Kanzi Academy is a unique school, based in the heart of the Maasai wilderness, supported by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, and kind donations from visitors to Campi ya Kanzi.

The children here at Kanzi Academy have a unique opportunity. Not only do they learn from an international curriculum; they approach their learning from a multicultural perspective too. Kanzi Academy offers education to gifted talented pupils from the local Maasai community, as well at the children of Luca and Antonella (founders of Campi ya Kanzi).

Intimate and genuine learning environments

It is here at the Academy that the children are actively encouraged to be children. By that, we encourage free-thinkers, critical thinking, and problem solving. Learning is an active state, not one where we just sit, listen, and do. Learning is a partnership between the child, the teacher, and the environment; whether that be a classroom, or in our case, "out there" in the bush!

Protecting and learning about traditional culture

Maasai culture is steeped in history. As such the childrens' roots and and heritage is nurtured and supported accordingly. We like to think of the children as the "leaders of tomorrow". Education across all the standard school subjects is of vital importance. But there is more to it than that - these children learn and play in the heart of an environment that is being protected through the work of MWCT. Already the children know about living amongst the wildlife around us, from the smallest insect, to the Big Five! They are global citizens, and realize that. Having an awareness of the responsibility they have to their immediate bush life and community, combined with a solid education, will ensure that these "leaders of tomorrow" disseminate information to their generation, and generations in years to come.

Innovative and advanced learning opportunities

At the Kanzi Academy we believe that making small, individual changes today, through expanding our knowledge in a holistic way, can lead to a combined effort for bigger changes - namely protecting our environment, our roots and heritage, and our integrity as caretakers of this planet.

Education Program Update - A Busy Week at the Academy!

Jambo from the Kanzi Academy! This week at the Academy has been very busy! In all subjects the students have worked very hard and learned so much. We have started to look at verbs in the past tense, and realized how difficult the English language can be! The student's reading has improved dramatically, with two students now enjoying a good breadth of reading, and not just reading from the reading scheme.

Concentrated students in Class 2

We were full of rainbows this week! In our affirmations, in our conversation, and "in our hearts", as one of the Class 2 students said. So it was obvious to switch from our Big Five theme temporarily, to make a rainbow in Art.

Class 2 with their giant rainbow!

We have been making enquiries about the UK in Geography and had much discussion about Nelson Mandela in History. We have made a very simple timeline for the wall and discussed, whilst looking at pictures, his imprisonment, and then offered our thoughts and opinions of that. It has been truly amazing to witness 6, 7, and 8 year olds' compassion and respect for such a great man.

Timeline of Nelson Mandela

Phillip has done a lovely job with PE this week - introducing the game of rounders! Which is now being played by the students during break and lunch!

In Kiswahili, the children have looked at parts of the body, shapes and clothing. And in Science, they have been observing weather changes, life processes, and animals!

To switch things up slightly, we went on a walk to go see the chickens, rabbits, and horses located at Campi ya Kanzi. We found a Campi ya Kanzi staff member grinding maize by hand to feed the horses We all had a try at grinding, and found it to be quite difficult!

Head Teacher Sarah giving the maize grinding a try!

As you can see, it has been really busy here! Be sure to keep checking for photos and updates from the Academy every week!

Karibu tena - Sarah

Education Program Update - First Week at the Academy

The Kanzi Academy branch of our Education Program had been busy last week with the beginning of a new term! Head Teacher Sarah shares some stories and photos with us!

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Jambo! What a great, busy, and very exciting first week we have had!

Class 2 watching as a helicopter arrives at Campi ya Kanzi

We have begun all our work and topics in earnest and had much fun along the way. Our measuring, volume, and capacity unit has begun in Maths, with the children really getting involved... and getting wet while estimating how many cups of water fill a sufuria, which really cooled us down! We also got to grips practically with fractions, using everything from cutting and sticking, to dissecting apples! We started and finished our handprint lion head too! Class 2 really enjoyed this.

Estimating volume with water!

We also encountered some unplanned experiences this week.. from finding a tortoise in a bush, to watching a helicopter land in our football field! Life here at the Academy and in the bush is always wild and varied, and we like it like that!

Class 2 found a turtle!

We also went on countless nature walks, one which saw us collecting 16 different types of grass! Phillip has started looking at weather in his teaching, so we have enjoyed making weather charts and exercising daily observations of the weather!

Grasses found on a nature walk

And with a view just behind the school of Mount Kilimanjaro, what a completely splendid environment to learn in!

More news, photos, and updates to come next week!

Karibu tena, Sarah!

Health Program Update - New Bicycles, Education Session, & Project Osiligi

Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust distributed 3 more bicycles in November, to 3 community health workers in Olorika. The facility health workers chose these 3 workers as the most dedicated community health workers (CHW) in Olorika.

The CHW's were delighted to receive the bicycles, and asserted that the bicycle would help them in their visits to households and the health facility.

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The MWCT Health Team gather once a month for a meeting, lunch, and an educational session facilitated by one of the staff. For November, Sam and Wanyama gave a PowerPoint presentation on what they had learned from a 2-week training they attended on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Nakuru, organized by the ministry of Health. 

Sam presenting an education session of PMTCT at CCRC

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As we mentioned in a previous update, the income-generating project partnered with Campi ya Kanzi  to provide guests with traditional Maasai jewlery, has been off to a good start. Thus far, 3 women groups around Kuku Group Ranch have made over 180 beaded bracelets and earrings. The women have named the initiative "Project Osiligi", which means Project Hope.

Colourful bracelets designed by the women