The Kitarini Primary School in Northern Tanzania is uniquely situated to have an exponential impact on the lives of the children of Maasai Ruby miners. Its attendance wavered around 100 before Gem Legacy’s breakfast and lunch program swelled attendance to over 900!
The 2024 Meal Program is 100% funded by Brilliant Earth.
Before Food Program
After Food Program
Breakfast and Lunch, every school day
Providing food is the key to incentivizing education to this marginalized sector of youth in Tanzania. Attending school is not historically part of the Maasai culture, which is traditionally nomadic and famous for herding animals. The tribe is very family oriented and include their children in the family business, which often draws children away from school before finishing Primary School.
Most of the students walk 45-90 minutes to attend school. We want their bellies to be full after that morning exercise and before lessons begin!
Daily breakfast encourages the students to make the trip and arrive on time for the beginning of class!
Prior to the meal program, students falling asleep in class was an ongoing problem. Ensuring they are full and satisfied has worked wonders keeping them awake for class!
The lunch meal is actually provided at the end of the class day, which incentivizes the students to remain in lessons for the entirety and not leave during a break.
80.2% of rural Tanzanian children attend primary school, according to World Bank’s Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS). However, only 58% complete primary school, according to the Tanzania Education Corp, leaving 40% of the country’s population with six years or less of education.
Gem Legacy’s sponsored meal program provides the same food that is the national government mandated food across all schools. While it might seem boring, the meals keep consistency with meals at other schools, in addition to being highly nutritious and filling.
Parents are still required to contribute a small amount for uniforms and school lunch. The Kitarini Primary School is almost completely attended by Maasai students. The Maasai culture does not place a high emphasis on education and so parents do not pay the nominal fee or continue sending their children to school. If meals are provided, we discovered they do continue sending their children to school.
Some of the students walk up to 2 hours one way to attend school. Located in an extremely rural area in lands traversed by the Maasai, there are not many schools available.
Traditionally, the Maasai do not grow their hair according to their rituals and beliefs. In addition, short hair helps stop lice.
With thanks to Parlè Jewelry Designs
Breakfast and Lunch, every school day
