Conservation Program Update: Luci Lights Initiate Change

In late 2014, New Course donate a number of Luci Lights, courtesy of MPOWERD, to the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) to empower women of the local Maasai community. 

The women's group in Ilchalai with their new Luci Lights

The efforts of the Luci Lights program by MWCT have been continuing in a diligent way!  MWCT has coordinated a number of community outreaches to the communities of Iltilal, Kuku, Langata, Olorika, and Ilchalai to distribute the Luci Lights to existing women's groups. 

The women's group in Olorika meet to discuss ideas for income generating enterprises

The purpose of the distribution of the Luci Lights, and partnership with New Course, is to not only reverse the negative health affects from the traditionally used kerosene lanterns, but also to provide a platform for the women to be empowered, and to establish an alternative income generating enterprise for themselves. Having the ability to utilize saved money from no longer purchasing kerosene, the women can each contribute regularly to a project or enterprise or idea that will benefit them in a sustainable way. 

Women of Iltilal come together to learn more about the Luci Lights

Community outreaches have been continuing throughout the month of March and into April. Thus far, a total of 273 Luci Light solar lanterns have been distributed across 5 different villages, and a total of 11 women's groups. 

The women of Iltilal learn how to properly use their new solar lantern

The Nkaramata Women's Group of Iltilal thrilled with their new lanterns!

Particularly inspiring stories have emerged as a result of this project. The women of these communities are utilizing the revolutionary technology in innovative ways, while coming up with creative ideas that are benefiting the groups and themselves. 

The women of the Kuku Grass Seed Bank are also given the opportunity to receive Luci Lights

Learning about the solar charging abilities!

The growing women's group in Langata!

Predominantly inspiring has been the women's group from Langata village. Having grown from a small number of 7 members, to a sustained number of 37 members since the Luci Lights idea was introduced to them, the Langata women demonstrated a true expression of commitment to the mission of the Luci Lights as well as excitement to be a part of a new and innovative project on Kuku Group Ranch. 

The women of Langata learn about their Luci Lights

The chair lady of the Langata women's group had previously expressed a concern to MWCT about the low number of members in the group, and the disconnect of membership that she was witnessing. The group has now shown tremendous achievement in their now very large following, their desire to attain environmentally friendly lanterns, to rid of their kerosene, and to do something substantial as a group that will benefit them. MWCT looks forward to witnessing the women of Langata as they grow as a group, and efficiently and systematically save their kerosene funds to benefit the group as a whole, contribute to the betterment of the environment, and to their families health. 

We are thrilled to hear of success stories within the community, resulting in the empowerment of women, reduction of harmful emissions, and contributions to the creation of a unified groups becoming a powerful entity within this community. 

Even in the daylight, the power of a Luci Light is something extraordinary! 

Conservation Program Update: Kuku Grass Seed Bank Taking Shape!

We are thrilled to provide you with an extensive update on the progress of the Grass Seed Bank project in Kuku village! The Grass Seed Bank Project, located in Kuku village, centrally located on Kuku Group Ranch, will seek not only to empower local women to generate a sustainable form of income, but also create awareness in local communities of the benefits of rangeland protection and restoration. 

The official Grass Seed Bank women's group gathers to discuss the purpose, aims, and benefits of the project

Kick starting the project, after the initial installation of the infrastructure for the fence, community meetings took Kuku by storm! After the community was introduced to the project idea in December of 2014, an additional community gathering was held at the beginning of February. Community leaders, members, government officials gathered to discuss the timeline in the coming proceedings and developments, and members to be involved. 

The 20 women members of Kuku who compile the Grass Seed Bank women's group

Further, an inaugural meeting was held with the women's group in charge of the grass seed bank on February 18. A total of 20 women were chosen from the community to be members of the project, to  to take ownership, manage it, and benefit from it. The timeline moving forward was discussed, and the women communicated extensive gratefulness and anticipation for the coming results! 

Ploughing of the approximate 40 acre grass seed 

The ploughing for preparation of the land was completed over a span of four days. Using two bulls, ploughing was done to ensure the creation of a desirable soil for the seeds to germinate and grow. 

Proper sowing techniques were demonstrated and practiced

On February 18 following the meeting, the 20 women were trained by two representatives from the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) on proper sowing techniques, seed division and seed segregation. The training was very well received and it was very evident in the successful continuation of the sowing process. 

The women practice sewing the seeds in an effective way

The grass seeds differed in preparation, here KARI representative demonstrates the preparation of the horse-tail grass

Seed preparation was completed by the end of February and fence construction commenced immediately! The portable solar electric fence spans the whole perimeter of the grass bank. The grass bank is guarded 24 hours by a local watchman, responsible for communicating messages to the community of the dangers of the electric fence whilst also ensuring the herding of livestock is avoided in the area within the proximity of the fence.

The fence will seek to keep out wildlife and livestock while giving time for the grasses to grow to their full potential. Upon growth in the coming weeks, controlled grazing will be permitted within the grass seed bank, allowing for healthy growth and proper re germination.

A completed solar electric fence!

Moving forward, the community of Kuku, and the Grass Seed Bank women's group anticipate a generous rainy season in the coming weeks so the grasses can grow! We are thrilled to see this project coming together for this community, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of land restoration and protection! Stay tuned for more updates as we wait for the rains! 

Conservation Program Update: Grass Seed Bank Project Update

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, together in partnership with donor A New Course, are establishing a grass bank for seed production near Kuku village, in the centre of Kuku Group Ranch. Currently, a team of local Maasai are in the works of preparing the fertile land by carefully ploughing the open areas, not to disturb the existing flora. The installation of the structural components, posts and stakes, for the solar fence to enclose the grass seed bank has been completed, supervised by a craftsman employed by MWCT.

The location (red point) of the 43 acre Grass Seed Bank near Kuku village on Kuku Group Ranch

A community meeting was held to inform the community about the grass seed project and it's potential benefits. The community members of Kuku greatly welcomed the project and participated in the site selection for the 43 acre grass seed bank.

Local community members assist in constructing the solar fence of the grass seed bank. Commitment and hard work is required from a number of community members to ensure a smooth initiation of the project

All of the required equipment has arrived at the site and is installed. The infrastructure for the fence has been fully installed, and the wiring for the fence will be completed once the land has been fully prepared in the coming weeks.

The gate for the grass seed bank ready to be installed

15 women from the local women's group are to be educated on the creation and management of grass banks for seed production in the next week. First, the women will be active in preparing the terrain and filling the existing erosion gullies with rocks and dead plant material. After this, the purchased Horse-tail grass (Chloris roxburghiana), Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Masai love-grass (Eragrotis superba) seeds will be sown in the areas before the next rains in March - May 2015.

Installed corner posts for the grass bank

This project will not only directly benefit the women groups through generating an income from selling seeds and harvesting grass, but it will also create awareness for the protection and restoration of rangelands and contribute to MWCT's greater ecosystem restoration and rangeland management program. This model has the potential to be replaced on a broader scale in the ecosystem and the produced seeds can be used to reclaim heavily degraded grasslands.

\We look forward to continuing to update you on the progress of meetings, preparations, and developments of this very exciting project!

The land is ready and eager to be ploughed!

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.

Health Program Update - Trachoma Campaign and Bead Project

Greetings from Kuku Group Ranch! Our Health Program continued its' busy efforts for the month of October. More specifically with a focus on the Trachoma Campaign.

Children que while distribution of Trachoma prevention drugs takes place

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust was integral in making the Ministry of Health's Trachoma Campaign a success. Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated in its' early stages.

From October 28 - November 2, MWCT health staff organized outreaches with our ambulance to villages of Samai and Enkusero, Moilo, Singila, and Campi ya Kanzi/Chyulu Hills Conservation and Research Centre (CCRC) to ensure the communities received appropriate drugs to prevent trachoma. 

A very successful campaign!

As a result, we exceeded the target set by the Ministry of Health and provided trachoma drugs to 3300 people in the Iltilal catchment area. What a success!

Another exciting update for MWCT, is the initiation of a new Bead Project. This income generating project has been initiated in collaboration with Campi ya Kanzi to benefit local Maasai women.

Women involved in the beads project

 Every guest from Campi ya Kanzi will receive a beaded bracelet made by women from throughout Kuku Group Ranch.  This project will also aim to improve access to an uptake of reproductive health services, and reinforce public health messages during women group meetings

A bracelet made by a local Maasai woman

MWCT Ambulance Success Story!

Recently, here at MWCT, we had the opportunity to give a presentation to some special guests, hosted at the Chyulu Conservation and Research Center. Stories of our Conservation, Education, and Health Programs were shared and discussed throughout the afternoon.

Our Health Program Development Director, Lena Koh, shared a wonderful success story with those in attendance at the presentation in regards to our ambulance!

Our ambulance "Anna"

Our ambulance was donated to MWCT in 2012 by Anna Kulidjian. The unit was a tremendous addition to the Health Program, as has further allowed for expanded reaches of medical capabilities, and rapid transport of extremely sick patients which were tasks that were nearly impossible without the use of this vehicle. It has proved tremendous convenience for the Maasai in Kuku Group Ranch thus far.

It's uses became specifically crucial for one particular medical emergency that occurred last week. On October 16 at 4 p.m., a local Maasai woman was brought to the Iltilal Health Centre by her mother in law and traditional birth attendant. This pregnant woman was having contractions for the previous four hours in her home. Upon arriving to the Centre, MWCT medical staff did a physical exam, palpitations, and a vaginal exam (VE). Upon performing these exams, they realized that it was a cord presentation. This can occur during pregnancy when the umbilical cord descends before the fetus prior to delivery. It is a definite obstetrical emergency and requires a immediate emergency cesarian section - if a natural delivery were to take place, the baby would must likely suffer from hypoxia and it would be fatal).

Our ambulance was dispatched immediately and the MWCT Health team rushed to Loitokitok district hospital (over 50 km on dirt road and averages over and hour driving time). The ambulance, the team, and the woman made it to the hospital in record time (less than one hour, while driving through military road blocks with sirens on) - and the medical staff at the maternity unit were ready and on hand to receive the woman. The team worked together to prep the patient for surgery and then she was rushed into the theatre. The emergency c-section was performed. The baby had to receive resuscitation due to his severe distress, but he was successfully saved! Staff stated that if the surgery was delayed any longer, the baby would not have survived.

View of the inside of our ambulance

It is stories like this that are shared and further place tremendous importance on the support that is given to MWCT, and certainly in regards to the donation of our ambulance. It's services have continued to provide extraordinary emergency assistance to community members and we are very proud of this particular success story.

Our ambulance servicing many villages located within Kuku Group Ranch

Maasai Ceremony for Women's Group

In January MWCT had the opportunity to assist with a truly unique celebration that happened in Langata, on Kuku Group Ranch -- a ceremony celebrating the achievements of a local women's group.  Started by a local Maasai woman named Sylvia, the group focuses on a variety of women's issues, including forgoing the traditional Maasai female circumcision and improving literacy and education rates among girls.  Sylvia has been working with the young women of Langata for some time now, and came to MWCT for assistance with a ceremony to celebrate their achievements thus far.

A Maasai woman leads the chorus of mamas singing to their daughters and the other young women in attendance.

Traditionally education has been seen as much more important for Maasai males than for females, and very few girls have continued their educations past primary school.  Instead, they have been circumcised and often marry at young ages, providing their families with a source of income through dowries.  Furthermore, education is not seen as necessary to a girl's life, as they will simply become housewives and mothers.

A very large crowd of Maasai gathered for the celebration, many in bright, traditional Maasai clothing.

Sylvia and her women's group has sought to change this dynamic and improve the position of women in Maasai society, and so far it has been a very successful initiative.  Several of the girls have already entered secondary school, with more slated to do so next year.  Perhaps even more importantly, the Maasai are beginning to see the value of female education, and this new independence is allowing girls to do more with their lives than ever before.

Sylvia (back center) watches as the women's group performs a skit poking fun at the mannerisms of old Maasai men.

The event was a great success, and attended by a large number of the local Maasai.  It was held at a local nursery school on a Saturday, and MWCT helped with organizing the ceremony.  The girls gave speeches and performed a skit, the older Maasai women sang songs, there was a well-reasoned and civil debate about the place of women in Maasai society, and the oldest Maasai elders blessed everyone present.  From the youngest of children to the oldest of elders and everyone in between, it was a unique and exciting experience made possible by the MWCT team, Sylvia, and the efforts of her women's group.

First Annual Maasai Olympics - Part II

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Click here to see Part I...

Near the beginning of the 5000m, when it was still a closely-contested race.

Having finished the throwing events the Olympics progressed to the running events, with 800 metre world record-holder, reigning Olympic gold medal champion, and Maasai tribe member David Rudisha serving as honorary guest and race official.  First was the 5000-metre run, contested over 12 1/2 laps on the makeshift 400-metre track lined with cheering spectators.

The beautiful medals given as prizes for the five main events - javelin, rungu, 200m, 5000m, and high jumping.

After some early battling for the lead by a trio of Mbirikani runners, a runner from Rombo took over the race and won handily, by more than 200 metres.  With his victorious race he won a trip to the United States to run in the 2013 New York Marathon, a trip sponsored by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.  If you would like to join the MWCT Team and run with this proud warrior in November, please follow this blog and check back soon!

After each event, members of the victorious manyatta would storm the field and parade their champion around.

The 5000 metres was followed by the first women's event, the 1500-metre run.  A close-fought race from start to finish, it was a great chance for the young Maasai women to participate in the Olympics as well.  Next came the sprints, with Mbirikani sweeping the top two spots in the 200-metre sprint, and a spirited 100-metre dash from the women.

This is Part II of III in our series on the First Annual Maasai Olympics.  Check back in a couple days for the final installment, Part III...