Love is not what you expect to get,
but what you are prepared to give. (Katharine Hepburn)
I have lost my heart to Tanzania. The country is rich in nature, beautiful beaches, different cultures and lovely people. Unfortunately, a large part of the population is threatened by poverty. Many people do not have enough money to go to the doctor, buy food, send their children to school or buy necessary school materials.
The Maasai, who traditionally live from livestock farming, are particularly affected. However, the land that has been available to them for centuries is increasingly being taken away from them, often in favor of investors or agricultural projects. As a result, the Maasai are losing their livelihood.
It is very important to me to help the Maasai to improve their situation. I collect clothes and toys and then bring them back to Tanzania. However, helping people to help themselves is particularly important. That's why I support Simon, my business partner and friend, with his organization's projects. Simon, himself a Maasai, knows the problems of his community and knows what needs to be done. It is important to me not to appear as an “all-knowing white benefactor”. Simon specifies how I can help, and I support with the means at my disposal. We also inform our customers about our projects and show them the villages and initiatives around Monduli on request.
Simon founded the "Nadumu Maasai Women's Organization" in 2021
As a child, Simon experienced the daily challenges faced by women in his community, especially his mother. She owned no property and had no rights. He also experienced abuse against women and girls, including beatings, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Simon dreamed of one day supporting his community and creating an environment where men and women could thrive equally.
Maasai women bear great responsibility in their community, but are often neglected in areas such as healthcare, education and economic awareness.
Simon is committed to helping them send their children to school, gain access to health services and have enough healthy food. The aim is to empower Maasai women in general, to enable them to be self-sufficient through environmental activities and to improve their overall living situation through various initiatives (e.g. education on the topic of women's hygiene)
