Emusoi Center began in a rented house in 1999 by Maryknoll Sister Mary Vertucci.    Sister Mary has taught in Tanzania for 35 years and education is her first love.  Her Maasai friends and her own research led her to realize that very few Maasai women could get an education, partly due to cultural values and partly due to economic restraints.  A Tanzanian Ministry of Ed. report underlined her findings that Pastoralist girls were one of the most disadvantaged groups in Tanzania with regard to access to secondary school education.   Her original idea was to start a hostel so that Maasai girls of Secondary school age could have a safe place to live and study away from their Bomas (homes). Maasai live hundreds of kilometers from big towns with secondary schools.  Sr. Mary’s plan was to get the girls places in the secondary schools in Arusha Town.  It has many schools.

Sr. Mary asked Anna Shinini, a young Maasai woman, to be co-director and matron.  The Center began with 10 girls but in no time the place was over flowing.  It was apparent from the beginning that the girls needed more preparation for secondary school, mainly because of the low standard of primary education in pastoralist areas.  Sr. Mary started a one-year program to help prepare them for exams.  Today the pre-secondary program emphasizes English and Math. All high school learning in Tanzania is in English.  The other course activities at the Center help the girls develop self-confidence and take responsibilities in the Center. 

In 2004, Emusoi moved to its new place in Olasiti Village.  There is ample ground for a garden and to plant certain crops in season, according to the rains.  There are two classrooms, three dorms, a dining room, a library and administration offices.  It is also very close to Arusha Town proper with accessible transportation.  There is enough room for 70 girls to study.  Emusoi sponsors over 650 girls in high schools, Vocational Schools and Universities in the surrounding towns and areas in Tanzania.

Sister Mary is aided by her staff:  Bahati Lothi –Matron; Amina Mabngile - Co-Matron; Mrs. Azaina Mwasoni – Teacher; Mr.Theobald Masawe –Teacher; Paulina Mollel - Accountants; Naino Parteyo (Emusoi Grad) - Counselor and Social Worker; Teika Simango (Emusoi Grad) - Lawyer and Asst. Director; Paulina Porokwa (Emusoi Grad) Graduate in Community Development and Volunteers at Emusoi and Sr. Maureen Meyer.  The supporting staff is hard working.  Everyone is dedicated to making Emusoi work for Maasai Girls’ success.

Emusoi Center Front Porch

Mrs Mwasoni with students