Martin Saning'o Kariongi (right), a respected Maasai elder in northern Tanzania, has made it his life's mission to save his people's way of life whilst helping them adapt to a changing world.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
Martin Saning'o Kariongi (right), a respected Maasai elder in northern Tanzania, has made it his life's mission to save his people's way of life whilst helping them adapt to a changing world.
Diane McCarthy/CNN
Whether it's promoting education, encouraging gender education or setting up profitable businesses, Kariongi is determined to promote self-sustainability within the Maasai of northern Tanzania.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
Whether it's promoting education, encouraging gender education or setting up profitable businesses, Kariongi is determined to promote self-sustainability within the Maasai of northern Tanzania.
Diane McCarthy/CNN
Kariongi has started IOPA, a community-based venture company to help improve the economic conditions of his people.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
Kariongi has started IOPA, a community-based venture company to help improve the economic conditions of his people.
CNN
The group has established a women-run milk processing company that's producing dairy products, such as cheese, yoghurt, butter and ghee. "It has been going on now for the last five years and the life of the people, the life of the families, have changed dramatically and women are making so much money," says Kariongi.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
The group has established a women-run milk processing company that's producing dairy products, such as cheese, yoghurt, butter and ghee. "It has been going on now for the last five years and the life of the people, the life of the families, have changed dramatically and women are making so much money," says Kariongi.
Diane McCarthy/CNN
It's also established several other companies, including a media house that is producing radio programs specifically catering to Maasai listeners.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
It's also established several other companies, including a media house that is producing radio programs specifically catering to Maasai listeners.
Diane McCarthy/CNN
"We have created facilities here -- the radio station, the milk processing plant, the energy and water company, the internet, the library -- all these facilities to bring modern life to people, so they don't have to rush to towns," says Kariongi.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
"We have created facilities here -- the radio station, the milk processing plant, the energy and water company, the internet, the library -- all these facilities to bring modern life to people, so they don't have to rush to towns," says Kariongi.
Diane McCarthy/CNN
One of the most culturally distinct tribes of Africa, the Maasai move around in bands, grazing their cattle in the rich grassland plains of East Africa they've been calling home for centuries.
A modern take on Maasai culture —
One of the most culturally distinct tribes of Africa, the Maasai move around in bands, grazing their cattle in the rich grassland plains of East Africa they've been calling home for centuries.
Diane McCarthy/CNN