Our Kenya development projects take place in the rural Maasai Mara, where hippos, giraffes, lions and hippopotamuses roam across planes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Mara is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's also home to some of the worst poverty.

The Maasai and Kipsigis people who live in the Mara are herders, meaning they raise cattle and goats to survive. Primary education became free in Kenya in 2003, but many communities still don't have a school for kids to attend. Our Adopt a Village program builds schools in these communities so education is available for kids all over the Mara.

In some situations, kids are out of school because their families need them to help graze cattle or take care of the home. Girls are responsible for hauling water each day from distant watering holes, a job that often stops them from going to school.

Each school we build in the Mara needs a clean water project, so girls can go to class instead of collecting water. Alternative Income projects like beading cooperatives and goats for farming help women find ways to support their families so they can afford to send their kids to school.

Quick Facts: Kenya

• The Maasai people use beaded jewellery, especially earrings, to show their status in the community. As a child grows up, they wear more and more jewellery and begin to stretch their earlobes.
• In 2005, Kenya experienced a serious drought, which caused three-quarters of cattle to die. People also went hungry because crops failed.
• Kenya is the safari capital of the world. Thousands of tourists travel to the country each year in search of wildlife sightings that can't be had anywhere else.