About Us
The founders of the Friends of the Maasai have been affected by the problems that threaten the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania in their existence and have each built up their own specific relationship with the Maasai and Africa in recent years. That was the reason to set up the Friends of the Maasai foundation in 2018. Five years later, there is a need for a clear strategy and a long-term plan for the future, which will be further explained in this document.
We want to secure the
future for the Maasai
Our Mission
"Friends of the Maasai focuses on improving the living conditions and resilience of the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania by contributing to the ecosystem and restoring livelihoods, with the community itself
taking the lead in the projects."
Our Vision
"By 2030, Friends of the Maasai, along with all stakeholders, has actively contributed to the community-led ecosystem and restoration of livelihoods in Maasai land."
Activity & Impact Report
Policy Plan
Questions about our reports or policy plan?
Meet the Team
Willem Lageweg
Chairman
Willem has a strong relationship with sustainability, with food and agriculture and with empowerment of people throughout his career, both in the Netherlands and in Kenya.
Stefan Schuwer
Secretary
Stefan has a strong connection with the Maasai since he participated in the Maasaiwalk in 2015. He has experience in supporting sustainable communities and likes to use this experience for the Maasai.
Etienne Spierts
Treasurer
Etienne has a passion for tackling inequality and diversity challenges in the Netherlands and abroad.
Reinier Gerrits
Board member (agriculture)
Reinier has been active for more than 25 years in the field of sustainability in energy, industry and agriculture. He feels a deep connection with the Maasai, especially after having visited the communities that Friends of the Maasai cooperate with.
Renske van Santvoort
Communications consultant
Renske is a communications consultant and cultural anthropologist with an interest in the Maasai. She specializes in communication strategies, fundraising and content creation for NGOs.
Anoek Schuwer
Communications- & marketing support
Anoek was introduced with the Maasai in 2017 during the Maasaiwalk. She loves deepdiving into different cultures which makes her job as a flight attendant even more interesting. She supports the board with communication- and marketing projects.
Willem Branten
Fundraiser
Willem has a strong affinity with international relations, sustainable development, and food systems in particular. Using his knowledge of these fields he works as a consultant towards a sustainable, fair and healthy planet for all.
Faith Supeet
Advisory Board
I am Faith and I am graduated in BA in public relations and communication. I am enthusiastic, determined and dedicated to bring change to my community. I am the co-founder of SMALA cbo and the projects and community mobilizer.
Purity Ntanin Meikan
Advisory Board
I am Purity Ntanin Meikan and the only girl who manage to get educated in our family. I have completed Kenyatta university pursuing Bachelor of Education. I am currently a teacher in a KMQ primary school. I am also the founder of the community garden and mobilizer in my community.
Nelson Ole Kirrokkor
Advisory Board
Nelson Ole Kirrokor is founder and managing director of Nkoilale Community Development Foundation in the Mara area.
As an inspirational leader in his community he is excited to be an ambassador of Friends of the Maasai in Kenya.
Nelson likes to share his experiences with other NGO's and CBO's for Maasai communities.
Dieke Geerling
Advisory Board
Expert in collaboration with Maasai communities on issues like regenerative agriculture and sustainable commercial spin offs.
Karin Boomsma
Ambassador
As a strong believer of holistic ecosystems – I am pleased to be an Ambassador for Friends of the Maasai. Culturally the Maasai community is part and parcel of nature. In this day and age we can learn, exchange and empower them to develop a healthy, future proof harmony with their surroundings in a changing world.
Karin Boomsma – Director Sustainable Inclusive Business – Kenya (under KEPSA).
Frans Makken
Ambassador
Frans Makken was the ambassador of the Netherlands in Kenya. While he is officially retired, he is still active as a board member of the Institute of War and Peace Reporting (London, Washington and The Hague).
He's excited to contribute to a sustainable future for the Maasai.