Reverend Jackson Kipuyo established the Ebenezer Maasai Children Center, an orphanage, in Endulen village in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in 2008. Initially the center supported six children but the Reverend had a broader vision and today, the center supports and provides an inspirational learning space for almost a hundred boys and girls.
The center provides the children with food and clothes as well as a safe haven. Reverend Kipuyo passionately believes a good education in a safe learning environment provides the foundations for success. It was with this vision in mind that he also helped establish the Osotwa English School at the center.
The expanding orphanage has a myriad of needs, from more desks, to school supplies and the bigger goal is to upgrade the facility with a dining hall and adding dormitories to increase the overall educational capacity. They also need more teachers and welcome the help of volunteers to contribute time, albeit teaching or assisting with day-to-day operations. There is also a need for sponsors that can contribute towards school fees to enable further education.
A few years ago the Rhino Lodge team started to support the center and soon our guests, also inspired by this cause, came on board and have generously donated since. With the monetary donations we receive from guests, food and perishable items or any other items the center may need is purchased and is handed over at Christmas time.
This has become a much anticipated tradition for both the Ebenezer Maasai Children Center and the Rhino Lodge team and on the 24th December we had another heartwarming donation ceremony. There is no greater feeling than making a positive impact on the lives of the vulnerable children in our community. We thank each and every guest for their generosity as well as the support from the Rhino Lodge team and Selous Safari Company.