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Africa Schools Kenya (ASK) Educates Maasai Children

July 6, 2011 by

[HTML1] Teri Gabrielsen is a remarkable woman.  Her love of Africa and inspiration by the Maasai resulted the founding of Africa Schools of Kenya (ASK).  Since its founding in partnership with James Ole Kamete, who started the Esiteti School with only 3 children using sticks to learn writing in the dirt, over 300 children have joined their school.

In addition to a curriculum that includes healthy living, environmental sustainability, animal & wildlife conservation, and cultural diversity, ASK provides cross-cultural exchange programs combining traditional Maasai values with 21st century technology. ASK knows that education is a key component in eradicating poverty, and creating hope, dignity, and opportunity for these children.  Respecting their native culture is key to its success.

Teri also speaks to some of the cultural differences, and specifically those associated with the role of women in Maasai Land.  Although women are essentially property to their fathers and husbands, the women are being empowered to make their own decisions through education, including the choice of whether to agree to female circumcision.  Because of ASK, they are able to sell their traditional beading artistry to support their children’s education.  Watch the short video below to learn more about how to participate in helping the Maasai women and children.

ASK offers several ways to support the school:

  • “Adopt” a student each year (only $240 provides a year of schooling per child)
  • Host a home Bead Party and enjoy the benefits of supporting the women of Maasai Land by selling their incredibly beautiful beaded necklaces and more.
  • Make a donation, and more.

Listen in.  Enjoy the video below about the Bead Parties.  Be certain to visit Africa Schools of Kenya’s website and Like the ASK Facebook Page.  Like and join the discussion on our Facebook page.  Rate the episode and leave your comments.

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About Robin Eschler

Robin L. Eschler, the founder of Social Impact Marketing, started her career in developing foundational marketing strategies for companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 to individual entrepreneurs and local businesses. She has developed and implemented international campaigns to launch high tech products and services and guided new business owners to successfully navigate the difficulties of growing a business.

Her life-long passion for helping others led her into nonprofit work for over a decade. Early on, she recognized the need for nonprofits to adapt to a rapidly changing world in which technology dominates and for-profit business practices are central to success. Her determination to help social causes in a sustainable way led to her creation of the Women's Radio show Socially Conscious Investing.

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