The Mara Guide Training Program provides Maasai community members with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills, empowering them to share their homeland in a way that benefits the Maasai community. The training emphasizes the importance of traditional cultural knowledge as well as modern scientific knowledge of the Maasai Mara and is provided to guides at no cost. Guides are provided with a certification that signifies their knowledge of:

• Flora and fauna identification
• Conservation biology, geology, and other sciences
• Tourism in Maasailand
• Sustainable grazing policies
• Walking safaris and driving practice
• English and public speaking
• Computer and camera skills
• Business management
• Maasai history and land rights

The Mara Guide Training Program began as a request for help building the capacity of the MGA membership through educational opportunities. The Mara Guide Training Program has become a reality due to our collaboration with Prescott College (www.prescott.edu) to certify guides and the Maasai Education, Research, and Conservation Institute (MERC, www.maasaierc.org) for a location to hold the training. This program gives members of the MGA a competitive edge in seeking employment or starting their own business, opportunities which they have not historically had. Additionally, the training builds the capacity of MGA membership to organize around the Association’s goals and objectives.

As community with limited access to resources, free education is one of the most important opportunities we can offer our membership. Such training transforms our ability to find opportunity, influence hiring practices, and fight for the rights of our brothers and sisters. We are always looking for donations to help continue the Mara Guide Training Program. We are anticipating two classes of 20 guides each in the spring of 2016. Help make this vision a reality!