The Masai Mara is located in southern Kenya. Home to the Masai Mara National Reserve, tourists from around the world visit the region to catch a glimpse of the “Big Five” game—buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. Despite enjoying this world-class safari attraction, extreme poverty is prevalent in the Masai Mara. In fact, the Masai are one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa.

Masai culture is firmly rooted in patriarchy. For many families, a girl’s education is not seen as important. Many Masai women and girls are denied the opportunity to make their own life choices, and are often married off at the age of 12 or 13. Less than half of Masai girls enroll in school. Of those, fewer than 10% go on to high school.

The Oloolaimutia School is located near the Oloolaimutia Gate to the game reserve. Through its association with the school, Friends of Kilayo seeks to keep as many girls as possible from leaving the school.