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Thanks to two generous families, The Maa Trust team is delighted to have moved into their new staff houses.
“For a long time we were living in very bad houses, but with the new houses, our conditions have changed for the better. We now have very beautiful and comfortable houses. Thank you very much for our wonderful donors, we are very grateful.” Marias Ripau, Education and Skills Manager.
This October, the team has not only moved to the new houses but we have now also fully operationalised the new offices at the Vocational Training Centre (VTC). This Centre was constructed thanks to IEEE Smart Village and Sidekick Foundation. The houses were constructed on the same site as the new headquarters which is very convenient for the team. With the new houses and the new offices, The Maa Trust team is now even more motivated and dedicated to their work supporting sustainable community development in the Maasai Mara.
“I am excited to wake up in these new houses. I wake up to safe and clean accommodation and I can’t fail to smile in the morning. Going to my room has become something that I look forward to after a busy day in the field. I also feel encouraged and motivated to work from the new offices. I can store my documents and laptop safely which makes it easier for me to access them at any time” Isen Kipetu, - Gender Project Officer.
Both the staff houses and the Vocational Training Centre have been constructed using Maa Bricks. Maa Bricks is an initiative conceived by The Maa Trust and partner organization Builders of Hope out of the mutual desire by both organizations to improve housing conditions in the Maasai Mara region whilst making construction more sustainable and affordable. The Maa Bricks project, making compressed soil blocks, cerate’s employment, and empowerment opportunities for local youth, enabling them to play a role in the growing housing and construction sector. The houses and VTC showcases Maa Bricks and the great work that our 38 youths that were trained in brick-making have achieved.
“When I joined Maa Bricks, I thought it was the hardest thing in the world and that I would not understand how or be able to make the bricks. However, within a few months, I finished learning and now I can make bricks. When I look at the VTC and the staff housing which is constructed using bricks that I was part of producing, I feel very happy and proud. It gives me confidence that I can achieve anything that I set my mind on. Thanks to The Maa Trust for giving me the opportunity to learn and earn.” Katewa Soit, Maa Bricks graduate.
We are grateful to all our supporters and glad that through your continued support we are able to continue achieving great things in the Maasai Mara.