Be a part of Rise's future !!

My name is James, also known as Kirembot, my Maasai name. As a Maasai Morani (warrior), my role is to protect those who are unable to protect themselves.

I would like to share the story of Rise Kipanet Olekeyaro, a two-year-old Maasai girl from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the night of August 20th, 2021, a hyena entered her home — a small mud dwelling where Rise was sleeping. Hyenas are powerful and cunning predators, and their bite is so forceful it can crush bone. In the attack, Rise’s foot was severed at the ankle. Due to the remote location of her family’s home, they were unable to seek medical help until the following morning.

On my 18th birthday, I received a call about the incident and knew I had to help. After arranging transportation, I embarked on a difficult journey to locate Rise’s family. After a long search through the bush, we arrived at the homestead to find Rise in critical condition, weak from blood loss and without proper medical attention. I provided basic first aid and bandaged her injury before arranging for her and her parents to be transported to the nearest clinic.

Despite the long, uncomfortable journey, we eventually reached the clinic, where Rise received the urgent care she required. However, Rise will now live as an amputee, unable to perform the traditional duties expected of a Maasai girl, such as collecting firewood, herding livestock, gathering water, and assisting with younger children. Education is now her best opportunity for a fulfilling future.

To ensure Rise’s continued care and education, I have started this fundraiser. The immediate goal is to assist her parents in covering the substantial hospital bills, which could otherwise lead the family into poverty. In the longer term, I aim to support the cost of a prosthetic for Rise and, ultimately, contribute to her education, offering her a chance at a successful and independent life.

I kindly ask for your support in helping Rise overcome these challenges and give her a fair chance.