Every new generation will have to walk in the shoes of the older generation.
I had the opportunity and the privilege to talk to many Maasi men and women. I went out for a series of interviews with my fellow classmates in order to find out what the COMMUNITY wants from conservation programs. Specifically, I wanted to find out the opinions of community members from around the area of Nairobi National Park.
The communities surrounding the Nairobi National Park all have problems with wildlife. Lions either eat their cattle or other herbivores compete with their livestock for grassland. The problem remains that the community does not really see the benefit of wildlife. It is true, wildlife cause problems. How do we tell a starving family to support conservation programs when the animals only harm their livelihood? So, let’s try another approach.
Every conversation and interview produced one universal wish= EDUCATION.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) program does build classrooms in areas without much access to schools, but it does not have the authority to build whole schools. In fact, only the Ministry of Education in Kenya can provide the authorization and funds to build a whole school. If we want to change the way that the community looks at conservation programs the KWS must have the ability to provide them with their greatest wish, education.
The future of conservation is tied to the future of the Maasi children.
KWS has the chance and opportunity to secure the wildlife of the Nairobi National park, but only if they are willing to provide better and cheaper access to government schools. I am not saying that this will be a cheap alternative, but it will be an option that works.
Conservation’s responsibility towards the community is education!
Donations made here are
Sep 3rd Andre C USD 23.00
