School for Girls

In the past, education was not a priority for the Maasai since they were nomadic people constantly on the move. Typical education included the necessary skills to maintain their way of life. If finances were available, boys were given priority to attend school and usually attended until the fourth grade. Anything beyond this level was deemed unnecessary. Girls by the age of 9 are considered adults, ready to have a home of their own. This resulted in female genital mutilation (FGM) and arranged marriages, usually to an older man twice the young girl's age. 

Traveling to foreign countries and obtaining an education, few leaders have realized that women are vital in every community contributing to many advances. Although this revelation slowly changed the mindset in this patriarchal society, finances have remained a barrier to educating young women. In 2019, upon returning to Kenya, Ark of Hope interviewed ten young girls ranging from ages 4 to 18 and selected 2 to attend school beginning in January 2020. Since that time, Ark of Hope, together with its sponsors, has sent 12 girls to school.  

The preference for girls is to attend boarding school to ensure uninterrupted schooling. Boarding school is expensive for the Maasai parents, costing $250.00 a quarter per student. Foundational education is key to unlocking the doors to upward mobility, better socio-economic status, improve quality of life, transformed communities, and creating stability. Most importantly, an education provides girls with ammunition to make decisions that are best for themselves and family.  

Tuition costs for the boarding school are as follows: 

First Time Students regardless of grade - Tuition Costs Annually = $750.00* 

2nd-12th Year Students - Tuition Costs Annually = $650.00 

*Previously we focused on girls’ education but now we have expanded to include boys. **The extra ($100.00) go towards; uniforms; shoes; textbooks; file and report book; bed covering; towel; school jacket; and dining utensils.