A very successful workshop was conducted in September. A team of 10 Maasai speakers came together and planned a theme based curriculum around the Maasai culture. This involved creating a cultural calendar to identify all the areas that would be appropriate for creating content and material for young children. Each participant wrote a simple theme based story to be made into a book.

The enthusiasm of the participants following these two days meant they were keen to identify when they could get together to continue this preparation. They recognised they needed a longer time together. An opportunity for this to happen is in December, February and Easter when the schools are out so the teachers are available.

One the participants explained why this project was so important for the children based on her own experience of schooling.

Participants are funded a small amount for each day they attend and are provided with food, travel and accommodation where necessary. There is a need to pay a local artist to illustrate the stories in a culturally sensitive way, as well as creating illustrations for other areas of the curriculum. The materials themselves then need to be printed for initial testing in the schools.

Pam will continue to provide expert guidance for the early stages of this project. Some of this will be via zoom and in person when the current volatile situation in Tanzania calms down.