During a day of community service, O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders for Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari brought Christmas gifts for the residents of Eripoto for Girls & Women—a safe house for at-risk young people.
In the Maa language spoken by the Maasai people of East Africa, "Eripoto" means "security"—which is exactly what Eripoto for Girls & Women provides for vulnerable community members in need of a safe space. Founded by a Maasai woman who was kidnapped and beaten after fleeing from an early arranged marriage, Eripoto offers housing, education, entrepreneurial opportunities, and more for girls facing early marriage and forced pregnancy—both of which are sadly still prevalent in the Maasai communities of remote Tanzania.
Our team prepared lunch for more than 50 people—most of whom could not imagine being cooked for and served by men.
In December, O.A.T.’s team of associates and Trip Experience Leaders from our Arusha, Tanzania office visited Eripoto for a day of community service. "It was filled with fun laughter and a new learning experience for all," says Sandra Vaughan, Grand Circle Foundation’s Program Coordinator in East Africa. The team’s goals included preparing lunch for more than 50 people, painting classrooms, and celebrating the Christmas holiday with gifts and decorations.
"Days like today are a beautiful reminder that while life can be exceptionally tough for some, even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples of joy and hope," says Sandra. Among the Eripoto attendees was a 14-year-old mother with a tiny baby awaiting surgery for a cleft palate. "Offering a moment of happiness, a full belly, or a gift of love and compassion can change someone’s world—if only for a day."
After lunch, it was time for music and dancing.
Sandra notes that for most (if not all) of these girls and young women, this was the first time men treated them as equals, doing all the cooking, crafting with the kids, and leading festive dances. They had never seen a Christmas tree, or received gifts. "It was a day of joy, love, and connection, and we are so grateful to have been a part of it. Witnessing their smiles and hearing their laughter reminded us all that compassion and generosity, no matter how small, can light up even the darkest days."
Visit a Maasai community near Arusha and see how Grand Circle Foundation supports schools in the region during Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari. To learn more about the Foundation or donate to our projects around the world, visit www.grandcirclefoundation.org.
