The Siana Rescue & Education Center

In February/March of this year, I shared how the community had revoked the land originally given out to Maasai Development Project for the purpose of building a Rescue Hostel and other income generating projects.  (See previous blog entry)  When the new plot was allocated, the first impression was a bit disappointing.  However, I had a peace about the plot knowing that God would not take something away without a purpose and plan, which He made clear on this trip.  Last Tuesday, I received a phone call from the head teacher at Siana Primary School.  He said that he had good news and that the surveyors were to come that day so that by the time we arrived at Siana on Thursday, the land would already be demarcated.  I was excited, knowing that one of the biggest hurtles had just been met.  A meeting was set up with the MDP Director and Administrator, the community and the builder, Josh Knowles for Friday morning. 

When everyone was together, the community committee walked the property lines,discussing how the land would be developed.  Originally the plan was to build the hostel, learning center, bakery, posho mill, and church.  When the plans were presented to the community in February, they were excited about the posho mill, leaving the impression that we would have the only posho mill in the area.  However, on this trip we were informed that there was already a posho mill but they wanted MDP to build one to shut down the one already established shop.  As you can imagine, we were disappointed in the news, we certainly were not going to build something that would cause someone else to lose their business.  Thus while walking the property we discussed the best way to develop the land and provide an income generating activity for the hostel.  It was suggested that we do gardening, one, we could use it for feeding our children and two the surrounding community, tent camps and lodges depended on vegetables coming from either Narok or Nairobi and would benefit from a local fresh produce source.  The market would be much more lucrative than if we were to have a posho mill. 

First we had to find out where the water source was going to come from and how much there would be.  After walking the 15 acre property line, the committee took us on a hike to the surrounding hills to find the water source.  Long story short, you can imagine our excitement when we realized that water was already being piped in not far from us so that we could pipe into the already existing water line.  The only thing we would have to do is get permission from the community which the committee assured us they could have within the week.  In the previous plot, it would have been much more difficult to get water much less have enough for gardening.

Time was spent again with the community people that had come explaining the objectives of Maasai Development Project, the development plans and how the community would be involved.  Previously I had requested that the community be responsible for 25% of the project, so reminded them of their commitment to the project as well.  Josh then met with the people to share with them how they could contribute to the building project.  It is with enthusiasm that we are anticipating the beginning of the long awaited project. 

After the meeting we went back to the room where the children stay during holiday.  It is too small for the group that we now have.  We will be sitting down and determining the most critical cases of those most at risk if some can go home or to extended family members during school holidays, (One month holidays, three times a year).  Some of the children will have to find other places to stay until the hostel is finished.  When we told the some of the children that we are just about ready to start the building, they became so excited, their faces visibly lit up at the news. 

We will be meeting with Josh next week in Nairobi, who is putting together a master plan of the 15 acre development.  The plan will be posted on our web site when it is complete.  Already you can find the plans for the hostel on the home page of the web site with the cost estimates.  We are needing $20,000 to complete the hostel. 

 

Jan Meharry
Founder/Executive Director
Maasai Development Project - www.4mdp.org

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