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"Maasai culture is still sacred because many of our traditions have not been influenced by Western culture."
Arusha, Tanzania | Founded 2023 | 25+ Students Served
“I became the chief of my Maasai tribe in 2020 and have been teaching in my village for more than 10 years.” This statement led LEAF on a learning journey to discover more about the Maasai culture. This discovery journey led us to a Secondary School where culture keeper Mirishe Mollel teaches the traditions of Maasai culture.
This program focuses on the preservation of traditional Maasai dance styles, songs, chants, and storytelling. The culture keeper shares the history of the communities’ grandparents and ancestors through storytelling and ceremonial practices. Youth learn these traditions weekly with Maasai influences from across the region. This group of students at Shepherds Secondary school are brought together to learn about their culture and strengthen the unity within their community.
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LEAF is a 501(C)3 charitable organization. Your generous gifts in support of cultural arts education go directly to these programs.
Fredy Nganga is the LEAF International culture keeper in Arusha. Fredy has an innate drive to help others as well as a joyous presence. He is always appreciative and never pessimistic. His energy is contagious! We were lucky to have Fredy be a part of several LEAF festivals throughout the past years. He has also worked with local LEAF Schools & Streets youth to continue to pass on his skills and knowledge.
In 2019, youth from the ONEmic Studio came to Asheville for the first-ever music production masterclass. The group learned & embraced valuable studio production skills that they took back home to share with their ONEmic communities and incorporate into the production of their own music. It was the perfect opportunity to help jumpstart the group’s careers in production as each of them have shown years of dedication to the craft.
Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.