Celebrating bright new futures!
Our hearts filled with joy as we celebrated yet another educational milestone this month with the opening of our fourth nomadic Montessori School in Namunyak Community Conservancy.
Expanding our capacity to nurture young minds, the school will allow Samburu’s future leaders to grow!
The official opening and Maiyan (blessing) of the school at Louwai Obo by Samburu elders marked a pivotal moment for this community, and there was no shortage of excitement among parents and teachers alike! It was a privilege to have members of Namunyak's Umbrella Board and group ranches – led by Chairman Lengashar – part of this momentous event, and being surrounded by staff from all of The Sarara Foundation’s programs and camps blessed it with a spirit of unity, kinship, and hope for a very bright future!
Stakeholders from all over the region came to share in the significance of the occasion too.
The presence of county and national government leaders highlighted their support of our pioneering schools, which are sensitive to preserving Samburu culture, and also enable children to become guardians of their environment in a fast-changing world. The day included a tour of the new school and classroom, with teachers demonstrating how various Montessori educational materials will be used by children to learn – and to play!
A day filled with traditional Samburu celebrations!
The opening ceremony started with a blessing from the Samburu elders, and then children from our schools at Tintil and Ntaparani stole the show with heartwarming performances. Louwai Obo’s Milk Mamas also delivered a moving prayer. Following the traditional celebrations, various speeches were delivered by members of the community and guests. Once the speeches concluded, local artists Chriss Tetu and Samsellah had everyone on their feet.
Watch: traditional blessing of the school by Samburu elders
The importance of milk in blessings hails from the Samburu’s reverence for their cattle, and it is inherent to many culturally important ceremonies, including when a mixture of milk and water is poured over a boy’s shaven head during circumcision. In this video, the elders circle the school, praying to Ngai (God) while sprinkling fresh milk around the classroom tent.
Watch: Samburu women pray for our new Montessori school
Following the blessing by the elders, the Samburu women joined each other in song – praying for the school. The sentence they keep repeating in this captivating video means: “God, I have come, you called me from heaven.”
Watch: Montessori learners to celebrate the opening of our fourth school
Learners from two of our other Montessori schools attended the opening ceremony and with the guidance of our wonderful teachers, sang songs to celebrate the opening of the fourth school in Louwai Obo.
Watch: Chriss Tetu and Samsellah entertain
Once the speeches concluded, local artists Chriss Tetu and Samsellah had everyone on their feet. The dancing seen in this video is traditional Samburu dancing. Everyone joined in, even the kids!
All the attendees and guests shared a delicious lunch to celebrate this joyous occasion, and it’s not a day anyone will soon forget! We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the dignitaries who joined us for the official opening of our new school.
It was an honour to host the following Samburu County government members: CEC Education Hon. Mark Egelan and Director of the Research Office of the Governor Daniel Lebarleyia; the following members of the National Government: Wamba East MCA Hon. Jackson Lelenkeju, Samburu East MP Hon. Jackson Lekumontare, and Samburu County Nominated MCA Charity Lenyakopiro; as well as Mr Kinyua Lengashar, Chairman of the Namunyak Board, Titus Letaapo, Director of Community at The Sarara Foundation, and Janet Leparsanti, Namunyak Board Member.
