At Pachamama, we celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.
Our educators come from all over the world, bringing their stories, languages, and traditions into the classroom to create a community that feels like family.
It is with this perspective that the Pachamama Maasai Urafiki Initiative was created, a friendship and teacher exchange program connecting Pachamama in Lesmurdie, Western Australia with the Maasai community in Kenya.
How the Initiative Began
In July 2018, Pachamama’s Director, Kristen McPhail, and her family visited the Olasiti Maasai village and were warmly welcomed by the community in a traditional dance ceremony.
The McPhails were hosted with generous hospitality and honoured by Elders with a goat feast.
On behalf of Pachamama, Kristen and her family met with community Elders and the School Board Chair, who endorsed the Urafiki Initiative and agreed to allow their teachers to visit Australia.
These teachers expressed genuine interest in sharing their culture and building relationships with our community, a connection that continues to grow stronger each year.
Introducing Teacher Benjamin
As a young child, Teacher Benjamin Kool walked 32 kilometres through a game reserve in Amboseli to attend the nearest school, facing dangerous wildlife along the way.
After finishing high school, he inspired his community to start a primary school under a shade tree to educate local children. Over time, this small group grew, and with external support, a schoolhouse was built.
Today, Olasiti Primary School educates more than 150 students aged between 4 and 12 years under Benjamin’s leadership.
He has also served as an elected member of the Kajiado County Assembly, representing Maasai interests at a regional level.
Benjamin’s story is one of courage, commitment and education, values that deeply align with Pachamama’s own philosophy.
What does "Urafiki" mean?
While each Maasai tribe has its own dialect, Swahili is the official language of Kenya.
In Swahili, the word “Urafiki” means friendship.
At Pachamama, friendship is at the heart of this initiative.
Through the Maasai Urafiki Project, we are building authentic friendships between the children of Pachamama and the students of Olasiti Primary School, fostering respect, curiosity, and compassion.
How We Connect
Pachamama children and educators participate in ongoing pen-pal and cultural exchange activities, sharing stories, artwork and photographs.
Educators also maintain contact with Maasai teachers through online communication, including Facebook Messenger, allowing both communities to learn from each other in real time.
These simple but meaningful exchanges teach children about the world, empathy, and the joy of giving.
“The Pachamama Maasai Urafiki Initiative reminds us that true friendship and education can bridge even the widest distances.
Continuing the Connection
- Educational resources such as books and classroom supplies
- Essential items, including clean water and hygiene materials
- Clothing and learning equipment for students and teachers
- Infrastructure assistance for ongoing school development
