Dreaming of a Better Future: One Girl's Struggle to Get An Education
When nine-year-old Elizabeth Kisemei told her parents that she wanted to go to school, they said ‘no.'
She asked them again. And again, they said 'no.'
Elizabeth comes from a rural Maasai community of Sikirar. Her sheepherder parents tend their flock and sell their animals at the market. They relied on Elizabeth to take care of her three younger sisters and two younger brothers. Sending Elizabeth to school would jeopardize the family. They could not see the benefit.
Journey through our Maasai Collection on a safari of discovery, as bold colours go hand-in-hand with stunning style and meaningful stories. We've picked our top three reasons why our updated Maasai collection make the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.
When she was younger, Esther dreamed of becoming a teacher. But she had to stop attending school when her father decided she needed to get married. Traditionally in Maasai culture, girls are often married while they are still fairly young, and a dowry is given to the family by the soon-to-be-husband. Her marriage meant that Esther had to give up on her dream of more education.
It took nearly a year of hard work, but on October 10, 2013, the Got A Penny Group reached their goal: $25,000 for a community in Kenya. The inspiration behind their epic fundraising quest was We Day Alberta.
The students of Nay Ah Shing School don't just use their words to help their community, they use their actions. And it's these actions that have earned the students tickets to We Day Minnesota on October 8. A group of students at the school are creating a digital photo project asking people what motivates them to make a difference. Staff, students, government officials and visitors are all asked to write their responses on a whiteboard. The answers so far? To empower others. To help others. To meet new people in my neighborhood. To take chances with others.
Made in Kenya by Maasai mamas, our new Spring Safari Collection takes you on a journey around the world. From India to Mali to the markets of Kenya, we have scoured the globe to bring you precious treasures that have been fashioned into pieces of stunning beauty. Follow us on a journey to three stops along the way.