Spotlight #1: Sebastian's Maasai Education

Throughout the summer, I will be spotlighting people with interesting stories and conversations.  The first is that of Sebastian, one of the assistants at our guesthouse, who told us the story of how he was able to go to college.

When you talk to Tanzanians that have a college education, each one has a unique story, with a different path to success.  They all inevitably have had to overcome barriers, whether it was a quiet/safe place to study, financial limitations, or a strong network of support.  Many have creative ways of overcoming these barriers, such as entrepreneurial ventures or non-traditional paths, which often risk failure or family shame. 

For every student in college, there is a young adult the same age that didn’t have enough money to buy shoes to walk to school or had to care for a sick family member, etc., which prevented him or her from getting a post secondary education.

Sebastian told us his story about the impact of education on his life.  Sebastian is Maasai and grew up in a Maasai boma (the word for Maasai village).  Maasai don't place as much value on education because they are focused more on herding the livestock and integrating their children into the nomadic lifestyle.

However, as a little boy, Sebastian wanted to go to school.  At age 10 (3 years later than most Tanzanian children), he was allowed to go to primary school, which is free in Tanzania.  After primary school, he grew and sold fruits and vegetables to make enough money to pay for secondary school (high school), which is not free in Tanzania.  Tuition is about $20 USD per year, but with books, uniform, and additional fees, it can add up to over $200 USD.  Sebastian told us that little by little, he saved up enough money to pay for everything he needed to go to the first year of secondary school. 

To pay for his next 5 years of secondary school, Sebastian used his school breaks to work as a porter on Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Sebastian continued his porter job to pay for local college and graduated with a degree in tourism management. 

So today, how has Sebastian’s education impacted him within the local society and economy?   Some of the money Sebastian makes goes back to his boma to support his family.  Sebastian can afford to rent a small apartment outside of Arusha and use local transportation to go between work and home.  He also mentioned that while he is 31 and not married yet, he doesn’t want to marry someone just for the sake of marriage.  He is looking for a woman that is also educated and independent, which contradicts the cultural norms of marrying a young woman and having children very young.

Sebastian’s story was very inspiring and is a great example of the determination and perseverance that many people need just to get an education. 

Word of the day - Elimu (education)