Beacon of Hope - Enkiteng Lepa
In the heart of the Loita Hills in Kenya, Enkiteng Lepa School stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for Maasai children. Co-founded by Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu, the school provides education that empowers youth to break free from cycles of poverty and early marriage, while preserving their rich cultural traditions.
Educate & Empower
We believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and lead. Yet many families in our Maasai community struggle to afford school fees, supplies and even daily meals. With your support, we can change that.
Our goal is to establish a centre of excellence that develops all students, especially girls to enable them to participate fully and positively in their community and culture. We say 'Shule yetu, Nguvu Yetu, Our school is our strength', a safe supportive space, where students love to learn, teachers inspire and culture thrives.
“When I was a boy, only one child from each Maasai family was sent to school. Today, we are changing that.”
Chief Salaton Ole Ntutu, Co-Founder of Enkiteng Lepa School
Challenges Faced
Enkiteng Lepa School was founded in 2008 in response to the high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage in Narok South County, Kenya. Recognizing the need to eliminate harmful practices while preserving the richness of Maasai traditions, the school's founders - set a path toward solutions. Deeply invested in advancing opportunities for girls, preventing early marriage and promoting gender equity, the Enkiteng Lepa School was established as a beacon of hope. Along the journey there have been challenges, but with commitment, trust and hard work, the school continues to inspire a love for learning and a deep connection to culture.
The progress we've made...
In January 2025, as the school prepared to begin the school year, we faced a number of unforeseen challenges due to funding changes, no reserves, new curriculum, worn out facilities and more students in need than ever before.
Thankfully, with the generous support of international donors, we managed to stabilize the situation and prepare for brighter days ahead. Here’s what we’ve done during the first term of the year:
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Paid teachers’ back wages and stayed current to date.
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Recruited new teachers to support additional students.
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Enrolled staff in health and retirement benefit programs.
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Purchased a portion of the required new curriculum books.
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Completed urgent facility repairs - plumbing, electricity, windows, kitchen gear.
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Enrolled 150 students, over 90% on full scholarship.
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Delivered strong academic structure with mid and full Term 1 exams administered.
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Expanded the feeding program to include more variety and better nutrition.
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Built a partnership with a nearby secondary school to expand science learning access.
A future for every Maasai child
At the heart of Enkiteng Lepa School is a belief in the transformative power of education. If like us, you value indigenous knowledge and traditions and would like to support initiatives that balance cultural heritage with modern education, we invite you to join us in providing financial support to the school.
Salaton Ole Ntutu, respected Maasai Chief, community leader and Enkiteng Lepa School co-founder is traveling through California this July to build cross-cultural connections, share traditional wisdom, and raise support for critical community initiatives—including Enkiteng Lepa School.
These gatherings are opportunities to:
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Engage in cultural exchange and shared conversation
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Learn from Indigenous perspectives on peace, leadership, and culture
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Support a school rooted in both tradition and empowerment
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Connect personally with Salaton in intimate, meaningful settings
📧 For more details on any event, email: majimotoinfo@gmail.com
📍 Santa Cruz | July 16 & 17
What: Time in nature with Salaton and other community leaders. Includes conversations, blessings, and knowledge sharing. Learn about his work with youth and cultural preservation in Kenya.
Where: Santa Cruz Healing and Justice Center (Ahimsa Collective)
📍 Pittsburg | Saturday, July 19 | 11:30am
Event: Journey to Africa Through the Eyes of a Maasai™
Salaton shares stories of his life as a child, warrior, and leader living among wildlife and tradition. Suitable for all ages.
Where: Pittsburg Library, 80 Power Ave, Pittsburg, CA
📍 Lafayette | Wednesday, July 23 | 5:00pm
Event: Journey to Africa Through the Eyes of a Maasai™
An engaging cultural program with storytelling and Q&A. Free and open to the public.
Where: Lafayette Library & Learning Center – Community Hall 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA
📍 Oakland | Friday, July 25 | 5:00–8:00pm
What: A community gathering and presentation by Chief Salaton (short talk at 6:00pm).
Meet fellow travelers, learn more about Salaton’s work, and enjoy informal connection.
Where: Historic 510 Firehouse, 817 Alice St, Oakland, CA
📍 Walnut Creek | Saturday, July 26 | [Time TBD]
What: Informal gathering and conversation with Chief Salaton
Where: Walnut Creek, CA (private residence)
📍 San Mateo | Sunday, July 27 | 2:00–5:00pm
What: Informal gathering and conversation with Chief Salaton
Where: San Mateo, CA (private residence)
Support the Enkiteng Lepa School Project
Donate today and be part of a movement that’s transforming lives and safeguarding Maasai culture.
Some ways your dollars go a long way in Kenya:
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$10 – Buys 2 storybooks to help start a lending library.
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$40 – Provides textbooks and learning materials for one child for a year.
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$50 – Covers a student’s school uniform and shoes.
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$400 – Provides school meals for all students for one week.
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$500 – Sponsors a day student for one full year (tuition, books, uniform, meals).
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$1,200 – Sponsors a boarding student for one year, including accommodation — especially critical for at-risk girls.
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$5,000 – Equips a portable science lab for secondary students.
As of March 9th, 2025, Enkiteng Lepa School is under the fiscal sponsorship of Youth Passageways (YPW). Youth Passageways is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax-ID: 47-4750095.
You may also send a check to
Youth Passageways, PO Box 46631,
Kansas City, MO 64188.
To legally qualify your donation for tax exemption, please make the check out to 'Youth Passageways' with 'Enkiteng Lepa' in the memo line.
Click on the following links for documentation on YPW's exemption status:
California letter of good standing
If you need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact us.