The tree without the snake

Oh, where to start? Our second full day has been eventful to say the least.

A relatively normal start to the day broke us in gently (if you consider seeing Giraffes, Buffalo, Antelope and Vultures on your way to ‘work’ normal). On the way we stopped to pick up John, a 15 year old boy who was thumbing a lift to the local medical centre. John was suffering from a chest infection and needed to get a prescription. The walk would have taken him a staggering 32km across land with the wildlife on all sides. After a 2 hour coach journey through some simply unbelievable scenery, we arrived at Il Polei, our base for the day and home to CWB coaches and Maasai Cricket Warriors Daniel and Benjamin.

 
The first session of the day was a true CWB session – a head teacher not expecting us and our well planned session for 60 kids morphing into coaching the entire school. However, smiles were on CWB faces when our team bus was met with approx 200 kids chanting ‘ABC, Condom’! A clear indication that our commitment to the area and that of the MCW is paying off and kids are absorbing the messages we give them. The team then quickly stepped in to that well known groove and every child was delivered a session rich in fun and clear facts about FGM and how they can help end the practice in the Maasai community. What happened next is something I never quite expected to be a part of. Daniel and Benjamin had organised for us to lunch with and then then have a formal meeting with the local Maasai Elders, including the regional chief, a self-proclaimed cricket fanatic!

Following lunch, three of the team, myself included, attended a formal meeting with the entire elder community. Sadly, the meeting took place under the ‘reserve meeting tree’ as the usual one was occupied by a large snake! Following a half an hour meeting, the Elders confirmed that they have fully committed to ending FGM in the area and that any families suspected of taking part in FGM were promptly reported to the Police. Chief James confirmed that he had banned FGM in his area of control and that he was fully supportive of our aims and were grateful that both CWB and 28 Too Many were helping educate Maasai youth with vital health messages. Then, bedecked in his new CWB shirt, Chief James accompanied us to the afternoon coaching session, where he joined in with coaching and gave a speech that moved a fair few of the team to tears (Hannah in particular!)

Whilst the team met with elders the others delivered the session to a group of secondary age children. It was extremely encouraging to see that they had a clear understanding of the issues surrounding FGM and that the school are doing a great job in delivering welfare and counselling sessions. The boys in particular were very vocal in affirming they do not wish to marry girls who have been cut. If every member of this male generation has the same idea, parents will have no option but to cease cutting their daughters. It certainly demonstrated to us that saying no to FGM is a matter to be driven by both girls and boys.They also demonstrated their remarkable athletic prowess with their cricketing skills when put to the test in kwik cricket games.

It is heartening to see that change in attitudes in the Maasai community is afoot, and that brave individuals like Daniel and Benjamin can change the thoughts of a whole community when they believe strongly in what they see as right and have the courage to follow their conviction.

With a final flourish, Chief James then confirmed that the entire elder group would visit our cricket festival on Friday to demonstrate to the wider community that they fully support our aims.

Just to top off the day, I managed to get a Giraffe selfie on the way home …. Oh and we picked John on the way home!