Light of Maasai - Water and schools

The charity ‘Light of Maasai’ was founded by a group of four people, three Maasai and one Irish NGO worker from Dublin, Elaine Bannon. They all wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. So does Rotary, and we are proud to support their important work.

Light of Maasai’s vision is to maintain Maasai traditions and culture, while reducing today’s hardships, like a 20 or 30 km daily walk to get clean water or the fact that children are unable to attend school or have to leave at the age of 13 or 14 years to be circumcised and married.

Since 2002, when she left her paid job and comfortable lifestyle in Dublin, Elaine has fundraised and built small schools, medical clinics and water wells. Her work for children was awarded with the Order of the Grand Warrior. This is the highest honour the President of Kenya can give for humanitarian endeavour, and Elaine is the first non-native of Kenya to be bestowed this honour. She has also won awards from Rotary International.

Her role as teacher, project manager, builder and doctor, to name a few, has made and continues to make a big difference for the people in Rombo every day. Her latest project is to build an eye clinic to test the eyes of thousands of men, women and children. The Rotary clubs of Ireland support her in this endeavour, knowing that every Euro given will go directly to those in need.

If you want to make a difference too, get in touch with us at the Rotary Club of Dublin Central (www.dublincentral.org ). You can start collecting used glasses from your local opticians, do a collection at your kids’ school or set up a fundraiser. Every little bit helps to bring this eye clinic to life!