In anticipation
Trip Start
Oct 28, 2011
1
2
15
Trip End
Nov 13, 2011
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Friday, October 28, 2011
I know that we should be sleeping however sleep evades me right now. Besides it is only 8:30 and we are somewhere over the Atlantic. I have already watched a movie and many people are standing on the plane just to stretch their legs.
We heard from Cayley at around 8 this morning. She safely made it up and down the mountain. She said that pictures will not do it justice. I am still looking forward to seeing her. Anne, her mom was so grateful for the news.
When we got to the airport, Peter handed out an information package from Sauti Moja. What I found particularly interesting was a description of the Maasai and pastoralism. We will be spending a lot of time with the Maasai.
The Maasai people are semi-nomadic and quite well known due to their distinctive dress near the most well known game reserves in Eastern Africa. They speak Maa. Approximately 1% of the population is Maasai (43,000). Many Maasai are Christian, some are Muslims or traditionally they were monotheistic and they call god Enkai. The elders rule society and there is always a 'shamanistic' healer. Women are traditionally subordinate. ' the Maasai social organization comprises a complex age-set system that structures and diffuses power between senior elders,junior elders,senior warriors, junior warriors and children. While such age systems have existed throughout the world, ...they continue their adherence to age group organization as it structures every dimension of life, from herd management to sexual relationships.'
The Maasai remain very vulnerable and quite misunderstood. They face a number of challenges. They remain misunderstood as governments feel that they resist the benefits of development. They experience political marginalization resulting in little investment in social, health and education for the Maasai. They also continue to be displaced in favor of the wildlife business. Finally climate change is having a profound impact on their livelihood.
Who will make their well-being a priority? A social movement in Tanzania is taking place. 'Maasai led organizations are growing and challenging the status quo'. There is hope for the future.
It is going to be our privilege to spend approximately the first 5 days living with the Maasai in camp. I am sure that they have much to teach us.
Comments
Right on ladies, Wildebeast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!