Slideshow | Cows
and Goats Program
“There
is no life without cows in the Maasai world.” Kanai,
A Maasai Elder
It
is our sincere hope that you and your family are doing well.
In the Merrueshi community, in spite of the devastating 2005
drought, which still affects us, people’s spirits are
strong and so are our cows and goats.
The
Maasai Association is delighted to inform you that over 50
cows and 40 goats have been purchased and distributed to needy
families in the Maasai region. The Cows and Goats program
has been met with enormous success, literally transforming
the lives of all participating families. This work would not
be possible without the generous support from well-wishers
in the US. Thank you for your continued support.
During
the recent drought, the Maasai people lost an estimated 70%
of their cows. Many families lost everything. Cows represent
our “stock market.” Can you imagine losing your
home and all of your possessions, with no insurance, and 70%
of your net worth? For a Maasai, losing an entire herd of
40 cows to drought is the equivalent of when an American family
loses their home and all their securities in a fire. It can
be a truly devastating loss. But not necessarily—when
people pull together to help those in need.
Kanai,
a Maasai Elder in Merreushi community, was one of hundreds
of people victimized by the 2005 drought. Kanai had over 40
cows and 30 goats before the drought. Within three months
of the drought, Kanai lost everything, including his 40 cows
and 30 goats. He was forced to close his kraal. As a result,
three of his children were pulled out of school because he
could not afford to pay for the school fees and uniform costs.
Left without any other options, Kanai decided to leave his
children and wife behind in the village while searching for
employment. Kanai walked by foot to Nairobi, a journey that
took days. Kanai joined the plight of hundreds of Maasai men
who searched for whatever work they could find in Nairobi
city. Two months later, Kanai had still been unsuccessful
in finding work and returned back to his family with nothing.
Fortunately,
Kanai was not alone. Upon his return from Nairobi the Maasai
Association enrolled Kanai in a life-saving program, which
was started in the wake of the 2005 drought. The aim of this
innovative Cows and Goat program was to help needy families
in the Maasai region rebuild their herds and prevent a major
food shortage should another drought occur. [Please
see right column for more information on how this program
works.]
The
Maasai Association gave Kanai and his family a cow and five
goats to enable them to begin rebuilding their life and restore
his pride. On the day he received the cow and goats, the elder
walked away with a big smile and tears in his eyes. Kanai
wouldn’t need to rely on the kindness and generosity
of his friends and neighbors; he could now take care of his
family.
Although
the much needed rains have returned to Maasai Land, many families
are still struggling to recover the severe economic losses
from the 2005 drought. Without any goats or cows, these Maasai
families do not have the income or resources to meet their
basic needs. They are left with no choice but to wait for
the generosity and kindness of others to help them jumpstart
their herds and rebuild their lives.
The
Maasai Association is working tirelessly to reach out to all
needy families in the Maasai region. This year, it is our
goal to purchase and distribute 100 cows and 50 goats. For
a Maasai family, a cow means clothing, shelter, food, and
a child’s education.
A
gift of $100 will make it possible for a
drought-affected family to receive a cow. A gift of $30
can purchase a goat for another needy family.
Please
click to donate a life-saving cow
or goat to a Maasai family today.
