I was able to recruit 4 strategic Maasai people to write 3 lessons each. Half the writers are men and half are women. Each writer will focus on a research group:
- Confirmation students, written by a pastor who teaches confirmation (and former teacher at the lay pastor training institute);
- Form 2 biology students (8th grade equivalent), written by a biology teacher, with the permission from the head of school;
- Mamas’ groups, written by a Maasai pastor and theologian; and
- Lay pastors, written by a Maasai pastor and theologian who is the director of the lay pastor training institute.
I had 2 writing workshops this week. The first one was in my home. The two writing for adults happen to be the women and located on the Tumaini University Makumira campus. This is good for any follow-up collaboration between them. The two men writers are located in Monduli, where I plan to do fieldwork with the first 3 groups identified above.
The writers are being paid for their time, which is important for me. I don’t want to do “extractive” research. This project is meant to be a blessing, which includes financial support.
I am so grateful to have writers eager to join me in this project and bring their expertise and knowledge of the Maasai community.
Mikitamayana Engai! / Mungu akubariki! / God bless you!
Fabulous progress! Slowly but steadily you are allowing the gourd to be filled with nutritive content … Though somehow, to me, it seems more like a weaving (Maasai beadwork?) coming together. Hongera/bravo for these forward steps.