COVID-19 has forced us to reimagine an education system based on virtual learning. The education divide, however, is leaving Maasai children behind. With schools closed, Maasai children cannot participate in eLearning because they do not have access to the technology tools needed to continue their education. Technology access presents an opportunity for Maasai children to remain on-track in school, affording them the valuable social and economic opportunities to alleviate poverty.
Thankfully at the Maasai Heritage Museum, we have already connected Maasai communities living around the museum to the internet for the first time when we installed WiFi at the museum. Access to this internet has made an enormous impact on many lives. Teachers visit the museum to use the WiFi while planning lessons. Many teachers are now unable to teach their students outside of the classroom because only 30% of the students have access to mobile devices to receive assignments, and no Maasai students surrounding the museum have tablets, laptops, or desktops to study.
Already, Maasai children have been out of school for nearly seven months, and we are unsure when they will return. To help Maasai students prepare for the future despite today’s COVID-19 challenges, MCV is requesting your support in purchasing iPads for children to access the online curriculum and educational resources outside the classroom.
Having access to the internet and technology is life-changing!
Help MCV address the digital divide for Maasai learners and give Maasai students an opportunity to advance with technology.