Joshua Nassari MP (Arumeru-East, Chamdema)
The Masaai community has been advised to sell part of their livestock in order to send their children to school.
The move which would enable them to acquire knowledge and benefit from the country’s expanding socio-economic opportunities.
The advice was given by Joshua Nassari MP (Arumeru-East, Chamdema) at a fundraising function meant to raise money to construct a secondary school at Ngabobo area through the Pamoja project.
Nassari said the community has have been left behind in the spheres of development because they lack education for many years.
And as a result of their nomadic herding system and traditional way of life they have also denied their children a chance to get education.
"I call upon the Maasai people to start investing in education for the benefit of their children, education is one of the most important assets in today’s world,” said Nassari.
He applauded them for their efforts in contributing for the construction of the new school, by selling some of their livestock in a move to enable construction of the school to be possible.
He told the pastoralists that their community was lucky of producing leaders with integrity and hardwork such as former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa and the late Edward Moringe Sokoine, who went to school in the early years of independence.
“I believe the Maasai are naturally taught and strong people when it comes to decision making for public interests. The time has come for you to send your children to school so that they can contribute to the building of the nation”.
During the fundraising the community donated 50 cows worth 15m/- and goats and sheep valued at 7m/-.
For his part, Arusha Region CCM Chairman Onesimus Nangole, who represented the former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa commended the desire for education which the community has shown.
“It is amazing to see that you are giving cows and goats to construct a secondary school, it is a historic change you will not regret by what you have given, your children will stir developments for the benefit of the community,” stressed Nangole.
Africa Amini Alama Charity Organisation Vice President Dr Cornelia Fresee said the community has made a big step by accepting to take responsibility in building their own school.
She said her organisation will also raise money from abroad to support the project.
The function was attended by different district council officials and a total of 53m/- was raised.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
