Written by Shaylor Mwanje, Chief Communications and Partnerships Officer, GESCI| RELI Africa, Kenya Country Lead
Every year on October 20, Kenya celebrates Mashujaa Day, a national holiday that honors the heroes and heroines who have shaped the country’s history and continue to make a difference in our communities. It’s a day to reflect courage, service, and dedication, values that define true heroism beyond the battlefield or political arena. In November, KICD launched the Value Based Education (VBE) Pilot, through the Whole School Approach that was conducted in 19 counties and 79 Comprehensive schools. In 2026, KICD will roll out VBE in the whole country and this opportunity will provide the RELI Kenya Values and Life Skills members an opportunity to collaborate with KICD in the roll out.
As this year ends, I reflected on the meaning of heroism and my thoughts went to the remarkable team at Dupoto-e- Maa, a grassroot Organisation and a member of the Regional Education Learning Initiative Africa- (RELI Africa) Network in Kenya. Dupoto -e-Maa is a local indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation, formed in 1993 and currently has 80 members drawn from different professionals who saw the need to improve the socio-economic status of the Maa people in Kajiado County. Dupoto-e-Maa’s operations cover the whole of Kajiado County that is Kajiado West, Elang’ata Wuas, Oloililai, Kajiado Central, Loitoktok, and Mashuuru and they work with a total of 25 Comprehensive schools.
After several interactions and a recent visit to Kajiado West, where Dupoto -e- Maa work to transform education, I was deeply moved by their commitment, humility, and heart for the community. Two individuals particularly stood out — Mr. Ali Letura and Mr. Ole Mooke — who bring not only energy and leadership, but also decades of wisdom and experience to the organization and by extension to RELI Africa.
Their passion for education and community transformation is inspiring, and it speaks volumes about Dupoto- e-Maa’s deeply rooted culture of service to their community.
On the left is Mr. Ali Letura and on the right Mr. Ole Mooke engaging with the community members at the ‘Cave of Adullam’ and Endoinyoolasho Primary and Junior School respectively.
As we traversed the drylands of Shompole, Elang’ata Wuas sub-county, in Kajiado West Constituency, Mr. Letura would often pause to share stories about the regions, the landmarks, and the people who live there. His knowledge of the area and culture revealed not just experience, but a genuine connection to the people he serves.
Over two days, we engaged parents and community members in conversations about how life skills and values can be nurtured among children. What struck me most was the impressive turnout in both locations, a powerful reflection of how deeply the community values education and how leveraging existing community structures can strengthen ownership and participation.
In one of the sessions, we met at a local gathering place known as the Cave of Adullam—a name drawn from the Bible, where King David sought refuge from Saul. Among the Maasai, this space serves as a traditional meeting point where elders and community members deliberate on important matters. The second engagement took place in a school offering a more familiar environment for parents and teachers alike.
Mobilising such participation among pastoralist communities during the dry season is no small feat. It stands as a testament to the dedication, influence, and impact of the Dupoto-e-Maa team. It also highlights how communities and organisations can collaborate to maximise local resources, promote equitable and quality education, and strengthen parents’ capacity to nurture life skills and values among children in some of the most marginalised areas.
Mr. Letura shared that he began his teaching career in 1992, progressing from a classroom teacher to a headteacher, and eventually to District Education Officer—an achievement driven by the exceptional performance of his students. Yet, what stood out most was his humility. Together with Mr. Ole Mooke, who has served even longer with the organisation, he led the discussions with insight and warmth. Both know every headteacher in the region, keep track of their transfers, and offer encouragement to those posted in remote areas to persevere despite the challenges. Their passion is unmistakable. In the RELI Africa engagements, the Dupoto-e-Maa team never misses a meeting, whether virtual or in person, regardless of the distance or conditions.
As we continue celebrating and remembering our hero’s, who are our members for the work that each of them does to get closer to ensuring all children learn, I celebrate the everyday heroes like Mr. Ali Letura, Mr. Ole Mooke, and the entire Dupoto -e-Maa team — men and women whose work continues to shape the future of education in Kenya’s arid lands. Their dedication is a reminder that heroism lives in service, compassion, and the quiet persistence to make lives better.
I also celebrate all the RELI Kenya members who have given me an opportunity to serve as a Country lead, and I look forward to delivering on the collective efforts to ensure all our children access equitable quality education.
To all the RELI Africa members, Happy holidays to you and your families.
To the RELI Kenya members you are true heroes, transforming education one community at a time.
