IS IT POSSIBLE?

It is 9th of may 2008, Wesley;the director of Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Programme asked me to accompany him to the fund raising in the Masai village. He has been contributing for the Laibon school for sometime now. Wesley pays strong attention to education. Thus whenever there is education support needed if he can he do it.With no hesitation I picked up my camera,pen and note book: ready for an adventure. Laibon is a title leader within the Masai society.he is responsible for the spiritual power and religiou power. He is very respected. Laibon Ole Mapi has more than 80 children and 300 grandchildren and unclear number of wives. Tall, health man who smile most of the time. When you drive from Arusha to Ngorongoro,on the right side after Makuyuni boys secondary school sign board you will see many round manyata on a hill.That is Laibon Ole Mapi compound. Hendry Nantire Sikoi, Liberati Maiko and Lusinde Nyingo were with us. Upon arrivals the area was filled with Masai people with their spectacular clothes, "rubega"in Swahili.Also swahili people (non Masai) were there. children with their school uniforms sang welcoming song once a car arrived.Immediately I grab out my camera ready for action. Everyone was anxious to see guest of honor,Edward N.Lowasa-MP of Monduli in order to start fund raising. While I walk around,the warriors welcomed me warmly to join them processing barbecue. The red colour of the meat made me felt somehow gleed and wanted to grab a piece. Some women were decorating their hair.At least busy,busy. Warriors "Morani" in Swahili and women started to sing majestically and form a line to receive the guest of honor. Wariors jumped high as they can. Lowasa gave his speech by emphasizing on education. "we are very good and sensitive in contributing lots of money for wedding and other ceremonies But now it is the time to turn our back to education" Fund raising continued, Masai men and Women contributed. A young boy of about 19 years old named Otimbalo Lekaura gave 20,000/=. ART IN TANZANIA,CULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAMME,ORETETI CULTURAL DISCOVERY,MANYARA RANCH, and TEACHERS from various schools also contributed. Oreteti Cultural Discovery will give 10% of the income generated from their company. In total 16,506,000/= million shillings was raised,14 cows,30 iron sheet,20 bags of cement,breaks to fit two in one teacher's house gravel of about 500,000/= Until fund raising day the building cost 9.5 million. Up to the completion 26 million is needed. The building has 2 class rooms and 2 office. There are 80 pupils until now. SCHOOLING IDEA CAME FROM WHERE? In 2005 ART in Tanzania came with that Idea of establishing a school in the Masai area with the intention of providing education to the Masai communities around the "Laibon"area.In 2006 school started under the tree.In 2007 the current school which is on construction was stared. Heriel Mbowe-Northern Zone director sayed " the organization is supporting also by paying teachers and they plan on the future to have nursery school,primary (it is on the process now) and secondary school". "Yes it is possible to hold the spear and books".