ELAND's educational goals extend beyond school sponsorship to a number of other educational and awareness-building programs. In addition to our educational programs, ELAND is involved in poverty reduction and economic empowerment programs. Our economic development programs which emphasize opportunities for women and youth.

Poverty Reduction and Economic Empowerment Programs Seek to:

• Develop the human resources of the Maasai Community through career Skills development
• Increase economic diversity by improving and supporting income generating activities with emphasis on women and youth-owned and operated businesses
• Create, improve and support the production and marketing of Maasai artifacts and livestock products
• Identify opportunities for fair trade of crafts
• Drill wells for schools and communities

ELAND Maasai Women Project

Women in Kenya have limited economic option available to them. Maasai women struggle to sustain their families by selling firewood, milk, bead work and charcoal. Alternative production modes are minimal. Capital and human resources that are needed to spur other production avenues are scarce. 

ELAND Maasai women Support themselves through the sale of bead work. ELAND women work together to eradicate poverty and educate their children. Proceeds from the sale of bead work help to cover school fees, text books expenses and provide needed food. Maasai women have maintained their art work for centuries.

The Maasai women have been the preservers, the guardians and the protectors of the culture and traditions. They are the Professors of the Maasai language and make sure it is passed to future generations. These illiterate women use their only valuable skills to sustain themselves economically.

The money from the sales is extremely valuable to the community. Empowerment of  women helps to change perceptions of gender roles in the community. By earning money themselves, the ELAND Maasai women raise their status in their families and communities.