SIMBA MAASAI OUTREACH ORGANIZATION FALL 2008 CULTURAL EDUCATION TOUR
Dear Friend,
I am pleased to share with you information about SIMOO,a community –based Maasai organization in Kenya whose representatives will be visiting USA this fall as part of Maasai educational and performances program.
SIMOO is seeking partnerships with Elementary schools, High schools, Colleges/Universities, individuals and other public institutions to share knowledge and way of life of the Maasai as part of a fund raising program to help the Nomadic Maasai improve their lives.
SIMOO is an acronym for Simba Maasai Outreach Organization, founded in 1994 by Francis ole Sakuda who was inspired to empower his Maasai community to develop their own resources on their own terms.
The SIMOO representatives bring their culture to life through song, dance and discussion in their performances, which can be adapted to meet the interest of all age levels. They discuss the essential of role of cattle and pastoralism for Maasai, along with women‘s issues and rites of passage. Students greatly benefit from their insights on self-governance, emphasis on the family, and harmony with nature.
SIMOO uses funding from these performances abroad to improve the standards of living of the poorest Maasai community members and provides educational opportunities to those in greatest need.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of our presentations, SIMOO’s performances are especially relevant to African studies, Women Studies, World history, Political science, Music, Arts, Sociology and Anthropology. SIMOO invites you to take this opportunity to host our Maasai performers and educators at your institution and support SIMOO’s exciting work.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Would you like to discuss the cost of a performance, or if would you like additional information, pictures, and references about the group, please feel free to contact me or our other partners in
Francis ole Sakuda.
Director -SIMOO
Email; simookenya@yahoo.com Phn;254 722847620.
254 202044579.
Abra Lyman –supuyo@hotmail.com,ph 6175108599
Phyllis Eckelmeyer-silverj45@hotmail.com
Sheila Cohen-cohens@cortland.edu
SIMOO PERFORMANCES
Indigenous Educational Performances with SIMOO are appropriate for audiences of
all ages, from grade school to university.
The performances involves songs,dances,storytelling, and information on Maasai culture and values that educates and entertains. Perhaps most importantly, the event reinforces for students that they are a small part of a connected world. SIMOO’s performances address many topics that can be tailored to a school’s particular interest. Highlights include:
�� Maasai traditional songs
�� Storytelling
�� Maasai belief systems, sacrifices, and ceremonies
�� Peace and conflict resolution, including demonstration of a Maasai peace ceremony
�� Oral history, including the origin of the community and pastoral way of life
�� Relationship between nature, environment, God, and people
�� Role of women
�� Rites of passage: child naming, graduations, marriage practices
�� Community leadership and traditional political structure
The performance, including a question and answer discussion session,
typically lasts for about an hour and a half, but can be tailored to meet any
school’s needs and interests. In addition to giving presentations, the
Network: SIMOO is a leader in the growing network of Maasai organizations called the Maa Civil Society Forum. The Forum seeks to increase communications between various Maasai organizations.
Pipeline-fed water tanks and help pay school fees for children from poor families.