Most of us are familiar with the world-renowned Masai Mara, famous for the spectacular wildebeest migration and the abundance of wildlife, from majestic lions to towering elephants, all thriving in their natural habitat. Our teams have had the privilege of experiencing the park firsthand, capturing stunning photos of their safari adventures.

However, just beyond the park’s main gates lies a different, often overlooked reality. Here, the vibrant Masai people, one of Kenya’s indigenous tribes, continue to live in their traditional ways. It’s easy to pass by without realising the extreme poverty a mere few meters away. Many live in ‘Manyattas’, small huts constructed from mud, cow manure, and sticks. The struggles of the Masai community are perhaps hinted at when you see the desperation of the Masai women rushing towards safari vans, hoping to sell handmade bracelets—sometimes five for the equivalent of 50 pence—just to make ends meet.

A few years ago, Jengana was introduced to a remarkable project near the park’s gate. Led by a Masai woman who, in a rare turn for her community, was able to receive an education, this retired teacher is now dedicating her life to giving back. Alongside her husband, she runs the first primary school in the area, providing a beacon of hope for local children. One of her deepest concerns is the plight of young Masai girls, who are often denied an education because their families do not deem it important for girls. She advocates tirelessly on their behalf, even offering those who can't afford school fees a chance to stay at the school as boarders. In the traditional Masai culture, polygamy is common, girls have very few rights and are often married off between the ages of 12 and 14, with female genital mutilation still prevalent. This courageous woman has the rare privilege of speaking with village elders on their behalf, and she has already rescued several girls from early marriages.

Through the establishment of a local church, many in the area have found faith in God and begun to question cultural practices that degrade girls. As they embrace new beliefs, they are beginning to recognise the importance, worth and potential of these young women.

Jengana proudly supports this life-changing work through the "Mara Silalei" school and ministry. In addition to helping fund a new school building, we have also been blessed to assist individuals like Mama Eve, a widow with five children. When her house began to collapse due to rain damage, she was taken in by a pastor’s family, while her older children were scattered between neighbours and school boarding. This year, our team worked under the scorching sun alongside Mama Sarah and a few neighbours to build a new manyatta for Mama Eve, enabling her family to finally be reunited. She has since moved in, often expressing her gratitude through tears of joy, thanking God for this profound blessing.

Witnessing the Jengana team working hand in hand with the Masai community to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways truly represents the meaning of Jengana—building each other.