Austrian Doctors has been a partner of the Eroret Preparatory School in Loodoriak, Kenya, since 2017. Eroret Preparatory School is a school where over 300 children are taught. An opportunity to improve their lives sustainably.
The school emerged from a community initiative in 2001. Due to the growing need to promote education in the disadvantaged Maasai community, the members of the community felt it was necessary to establish an elementary school in the immediate vicinity. The school is run by John Kintalel, a Maasai who, as the youngest of 13 siblings, was the only child in the family allowed to go to school. He recognized the opportunities for a more self-determined life thanks to his basic education. This gave rise to his desire and motivation to improve the lives of his fellow countrymen through education. Together with his wife Esther, he has now been running Eroret Preparatory School for over 20 years.
The school is located in Loodoriak, Kajiado West Constituency in Ngong Division, about three hours by car from Nairobi in Kenya. Most of the inhabitants of this region belong to the Maasai tribe and live as semi-nomads. The Maasai in this region live mainly from livestock farming. There is no running water and electricity is only available in a few households. The region is severely affected by climate change and the resulting droughts. In recent years, this has increasingly led to the Maasai having to reduce the size of their cattle herds and now have to find other ways to feed their families. This is why education is seen as an opportunity for the young generation in particular.
Over 300 pupils attend Eroret Preparatory School every day. Once a day they receive a nutritious, warm meal. Part of the regular lessons is also the preservation of the Maasai culture.
"I am delighted that children have the opportunity to quench their thirst for knowledge. For girls in particular, it's a chance to realize their dreams."
Esther – Deputy Head of Eroret Preparatory School
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a tradition among the Maasai. It is prohibited by law in Kenya, and yet the rate of genital mutilation of girls and women is very high. In order to protect girls and women from this, they are also taught about their rights and options at our school.
Since 2018, we have been working together with THE RAIN WORKERS to educate people in the region about family planning, sexual health and women’s rights. A number of “Rain Workers” have already been trained through workshops to educate people in this region. The workshop content is already part of the curriculum at Eroret Preparatory School, but workshops on sexuality and family planning are also held outside of school. These workshops are mainly held in community centers, schools and meeting places.
The following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being promoted with the help of this project:
The school is run by John Kintalel, a Maasai who was one of 13 siblings and the only one allowed to go to school. Together with his wife Esther and a strong team of teachers, he runs the school.
