As most of you know, this summer I went to live with a Maasai family in Olasiti in the Rift Vally, Kenya. I lived with Rebecca and Francis with their 7 children in their tin house, with no electricity, gas or source of water. They had only 2 solar powered lights and 3 beds between 9 of them. Each day they would take it in turns to go and collect firewood or find water and if not doing this, they would spend their day making beads or wicker baskets as a source of money but in return left their legs red raw from rolling the string and if anything earned them a few pence. They where the most loving, welcoming, happiest people I have ever met and treated me like their own and after returning from the market quite often with milk, bread and sugar, they where overwhelmed with gratitude. Before I left, I asked Francis if I could help support in some way when I got home and he desperately wanted to get his children through education unlike himself, in order for them to have a better chance in life. When I asked how much school fee's where I was shocked. Primary per term its roughly £16. Secondary its £46. Thats less than a night out in town and if they can't pay the children have to stay at home.

Through Maccop, the village has built a children's home which was initially home to roughly 26 children but dropped to 7 due to insufficient funds for food, clothing and bedding. In short, the children are living in complete squalor. Each day, we would take soaking wet mattresses outside to be 'aired', for the children to get back into at night. We would help the children mop the floors, with brown water and a mop consisting of about 5 strings. The children sleep in the same clothes they wear in the day which where often to small, full of holes and filthy and most of the time their shoes had holes with toes poking through. Yet despite this, the children want nothing more but to feel loved and receive as sense of affection. The childrens home is dependant on volunteers contributions for food and clothing, otherwise the children will starve or have to move on.

Nothing could've prepared me for the poverty I was going to experience, yet despite their circumstances there is no doubt, the Maasai people are simply the most humble, genuine people I have ever met. We get so engrossed in materialistic items, branded clothing, gadgets ect we forget whats really important and it's been extremely refreshing to be surrounded by people who care for nothing but their health, happiness and family. We are extremely lucky in this country and shouldn't take it for granted and I know next time I'm considering some trainers for £150 I'll question it, for that could supply a family with a constant source of running water and save them walking miles.

So from the bottom of my heart, I ask for your kind support. Whether little or large, I can say from my experience anything will make a big difference and can assure you, will be extremely appreciated on behalf of myself, and the Maasai of Olasiti.