The importance of a child in the Maaasai community is best presented by two sagacious prayer requests and proverb;

• Enkai aomon entomono - Lord I pray for maternity. A Maasai woman's prayer

• Enkai Naai nchooki enkima- Lord I pray for a fireplace. a Maasai male's prayer for a family/wife

Aimenye marmali anaa menye maata? Reponse; menye marmali

Which of the two would you rather be, the father of the mischievous one or the father of no one? Answer: The father of the mischievous. when it comes to such a choice the Maasai will choose the trials and troubles of having children rather than have none at all.

In the Maasai community children perform small chores in the home, like running errands, looking after younger siblings, calves and kids. They are taught traditional lore informally such as stories, riddles and rhymes by their parents and grandparents. A child's gender determine the kind of skills training they receive from an early age. At an early age young boys how to herd calves, lambs and kids close to home, while the girls help with the young children and keep the mother company doing household chores. The father and grandfather train the boy on what there is to learn of traditional manly skills, as well as the various plants and animals and their uses. The girls in turn learn from the women.

The social curriculum starts with communication- learning to speak effectively. The ability to reach out orally to different ages and genders in society is a highly valued accomplishment. This translate into skills of a social elite.