The benefits to societies of educating women are well-documented and include lower birth rates, better health, lower infant mortality, fewer teenage marriages and pregnancies, and greater economic well being not only for women, but for the entire community in which they live. This is true in every culture, worldwide. This is true in Kenya. This is true in Kenya's Kajiado District, where two-thirds of its Maasai population live.

As recently documented in a report by the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Kenya, "the incidence of gender discrimination" in the Kajiado District "is high." The report states:

"Illiteracy has emerged as the number one root cause of poverty in the district. Education is a means of overcoming poverty, increasing income, improving nutrition and health, reducing family size as well a raising people's self confidence and enriching the quality of their lives. However, . . . the incidence of gender discrimination in education is high. Most women tend to be illiterate, especially in rural areas. Chances of a girl child, as compared with the boy child being in school are proportionately lower and the discrimination continues . . . ."

The report also recognizes that:

"the gender gap in education however comes at a high cost to growth and development. For example, the mother's education is the single most important determinant of a family's health and nutrition. Female discrimination must be overcome through increased awareness on the importance of education for all, and in particular, increased female participation in education and formal sector employment. . . ."
Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Kajiado District Development Plan 2002-2008.

A very small investment can have a very large impact in Kenya. A Maasai girl's boarding school education in Kenya costs between $250 and $650 per year, varying according to the school and grade level she attends. This includes payment for tuition, room and board, supplies, uniforms, and transportation.