Helen is a 26 year old Masaii woman living outside of Nairobi, Kenya and a member of HOPE Bank. Helen has played a pivotal role in training the group in traditional beading techniques; and is also an avid supporter of Barack Obama!!!

The Masai are a semi-nomadic tribe indigenous to southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Masai are one of the most well known East African tribes due to their ability to sustain their cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs amongst a fast growing, westernized society. Many issues are now facing this tribe, lack of clean water being one of them. Even though one of the cleanest water pipes runs through Masai land, this water has been diverted into larger towns making it extremely difficult for the Masai to have access to safe drinking water. Another issue facing them is land; much of the Masai herding land has been taken away and not protected by the governments, forcing them into a more sedentary lifestyle. Modernization and Western influence creates a constant struggle for the Masai, and holds the belief that their ways need to adapt to “modern living”. Through supporting this craft initiative you are helping to preserve the rich, vibrant culture of the Masai, while creating a sustained income stream for the women of HOPE Bank.