After spending some time on this blog, you must already be familiar with our guiding principle, but one question remains: can we know where we are going without knowing where we come from?
Today I am going to tell you my story, how I came to want to realize this project so much, where this dream of wanting to share my culture was born, and what the key steps in my life were to get here.
First of all, you should know that a Maasai will never back down.
Context
1992: I was born in the Ngorongoro Game Reserve, among the wild animals and the beauty of the crater, there is the Maasai culture in which I was born. It took me a long time to realize that I wanted to share this because heavy obstacles were blocking my way:
I did not speak foreign languages except for Swahili, our national language, and Maa, my mother tongue,
My two parents died when I was very young, and I received help from various people while growing up. I am still grateful to them, especially to my brothers and sisters.
I will therefore be able to explain to you how I developed an interest in sharing our culture and our national parks, which have become major attractions in Africa.
For us, the Maasai, herding is a big part of our lives. It is one of our hopes and a great dependency.
Since 2002, I grew up and learned to tend to my brothers' cattle in large forests with wild animals like lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and zebras.
In 2011, after our traditional rites, I finally became an official warrior, entrusted with the responsibility of being a member of the army and a support for the security of the Maasai community against any threat.
You should know that Arusha is one of the most visited places in Tanzania because the region is surrounded by many national parks, lakes, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Oldonyo le Ngai (God's mountain in the Maa language). This has allowed me to meet different people and gave birth to this dream of sharing my culture beyond my borders. I was able to meet foreign people, especially through work; later, I will explain what other jobs I have done. The most memorable will remain this one.
Mozambique
In 2015, I traveled to Mozambique to the ruby mines. During the ruby mining, I had the opportunity to live with different people from around the world, I learned a lot from them and also taught them a lot.
Our excavations were not modern at all; we used chains, shovels, plastic buckets, ropes, and torches to put on our heads in the holes, which were very dark.
We preferred to work during the rainy season, especially from March to June, for two reasons:
- -it was more difficult for the police to reach us due to the slippery and muddy ground
- -it is easier to dig soft soil.
Although I have experienced great suffering, malaria and other diseases, what has impacted me the most will remain the violence of the police because these mines were illegal: there was no exploitation license for these lands.
It wasn't easy, but you know it now: a Maasai never backs down, so I persevered.
Then in 2017, I returned to Tanzania with $5,000 in cash. I bought cows and goats, helped my brothers and sisters buy clothes, but this year we suffered from a severe drought, causing the death of many animals due to lack of food and water. I have been greatly weakened because I grew up depending on the rain for my animals to feed.
A New Beginning
In 2022, I decided to travel to the islands of Zanzibar. I was fortunate to get a security job at Paradise & Wilderness, a large tourist hotel. Many people trust the Maasai warriors for security jobs because of their values and courage. I worked as a security guard for six months, then the general manager recommended that I leave security and start training at the reception because I was cooperative and good at English. After 4 months, I completed the reception training and was officially employed as a receptionist.
Over time, I gained more enthusiasm and courage to start a business because many clients appreciated my work. It became easy for me to listen to them and help them when they needed my assistance. This situation allowed me to gain experience in resolving guest complaints when they came to see me.
Two encounters have been essential in my journey. Goodluck, who worked at the same company, inspired me; he rekindled in me the dream I had set aside while wanting to realize my ideas. However, he had to leave for other activities. Alex, from France, became my best friend, and together we shared brilliant ideas and supported each other through difficulties; by working together, we were stronger. His wisdom and respect for everyone made him a true friend.
The objective
I dream of creating a business to share what I know, have the time to learn from people, and see further. My experiences in Ngorongoro, Mozambique, and Zanzibar have shaped my perspective. I want to invite visitors to discover the Maasai culture for themselves, including our traditional foods, our way of life, our dances, and more. I want to share the rich history and traditions that are not yet on the Internet.
Despite many challenges, my journey is one of learning and growth. I am determined to pursue my dream and make a positive impact by sharing the beauty and culture of my country.
I would like to talk to you about the other jobs I have been able to do, anecdotes, or even the Maasai stories I have experienced; I will do so in other articles if you are interested.
I would like to conclude this text by thanking all the individuals who taught me to read and write in Swahili and English. I would also like to thank the guests from different countries who visited us in our Maasai communities and who encouraged me and provided various methods for learning foreign languages.
Adventure, Culture and Determination: My Maasai Story on the Road to Success