MAASAI STUDENTS TO STUDY IN AMERICA IN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

THE Maasai students in Monduli district now have a reason to jubilate, thanks to an insertion of exchange programme between their school and an American school.

According to Orkeeswa secondary school headmaster, Yusuph Mollel the exchange programme will enable his students to travel all the way to American Groton School and study for good three months and the same to the later.

Mollel said that idea behind the programme is to give both students a lifetime exposure that could be inspiration for them.

“Our students have learnt a lot in America during the pilot programme and the same way for the American students who come in Tanzania. We think this is important way of giving our students an exposure” he noted.

Groton school director of counseling who is in Tanzania with several American students, Ms Megan Harlan said that the exchange programme offers both students an opportunity to learn and appreciate the diversities.

“My students are admired the Maasai culture and appreciate that there are diversity between American tradition and Tanzanian one. This will not be possible with this programme” she explained.

A Groton school student, Sophie Baker says that she was overwhelmed by the Maasai community warm welcome, adding that the smiles will never leave her brain forever.

A form five student of Orkeeswa school who went to America, Florah Tipapurwa to Orkeeswa School said that American education system is more advanced compared to Tanzanian one where students do not have enough materials and desks.

“Our colleagues have a lot of scholastic materials and teachers compared to us where we compete for few materials available” a young Florah says.

Orkeeswa School, opened in 2008, is located in an under-served Maasai community in the Monduli Hills of northern Tanzania known as Lashaine Village.

By providing free education within the village, Orkeeswa offers the only opportunity for most of its students to continue education past the primary level.

“Students of Orkeeswa School live and learn within their own village, allowing them to take their education home with them every day” said the school Managing Director, Mr Peter Luis.

Orkeeswa’s holistic model of education extends beyond the classroom and equips students with the knowledge and skills to create change in their community.