OUR PROJECTS
Toilet construction
There are no toilets in Ildepen, so the Maasai go into the bush. This also leads to health problems.
For this purpose, we plan to install four to five toilets for the approximately 1,000 residents of Ildepen. The material costs (as of December 2023) amount to €875.00 per toilet. Additionally, each toilet will have a washing facility, and the necessary training in basic hygiene will be provided on-site. Our goal is to distribute the toilets (male/female) fairly among the bomas. This will significantly contribute to increasing the quality of life and improving living conditions in the village.
Well construction
Water is very scarce in this area, and the women and children of Ildepen have to walk long distances. Often, people and animals share the water in the village. The nearest well, which supplies the school and hospital, is several kilometers away. A fee is charged for each person per month, as well as for each herd animal taken to the watering hole. If one cannot afford the monthly fee, one must travel considerably longer distances.
A solar well (which can also be operated manually) would be a blessing for the people of the region, providing them with access to fresh, free drinking water. At the same time, the well would be the first step toward advancing reforestation through permaculture and laying and securing the foundation for self-sufficiency.
Permaculture
Permaculture means taking natural cycles and ecosystems as a model; it is very sustainable due to its diversity and is also a water-saving form of cultivation.
Permaculture is being used to reforest the village and cultivate plants for self-sufficiency (10 acres are available for this project and the community in addition to the boma land). Lepapa and Daniel have already attended three permaculture courses in Tanzania and completed all three with flying colors. The area around the bomas needs to be fenced (double-fenced) to protect the plants, as wildlife also gets hungry. In December 2023, the first boma was fenced in and approximately 100 trees were planted. Our two trained Maasai were proud to apply and share their knowledge.
House building /
Establishment of ecotourism
To ensure a steady livelihood for the Maasai , the idea arose to build a small, traditional house for a few tourists. This would allow them to live among the Maasai for a few days and experience everyday life. There is truly a great deal to learn about the people's culture and their respectful way of life in harmony with nature.
Sponsorships for school education
Every child who goes to school in Kenya has to pay school fees. Not every family can afford this. We want to create the opportunity to directly sponsor children or families. In the long term, we also want to create an opportunity for education in the village.
Solar cooker
For years, a great deal of deforestation was carried out to build the typical Maasai huts, fence the bomas, and also for cooking. Solar cookers make optimal use of the many hours of sunshine at the equator, requiring little or no wood to prepare meals.
Support for women & children
Women are also represented as founding members of the association (Empusel Nabulaa Association) – that is something special.
They will advocate for the needs of children and women, such as feminine hygiene. One of Leah Raayio's wishes, for example, was the construction of toilets. Leah will represent the women. Her sister, Ruth Maangue, will oversee the hygiene of the planned toilets and washing facilities.