Masai warrior talks to Chichester Prep School pupils
What a treat to be visited by a Masai Moran, who is a guide and conservationist and font of knowledge! From David, pupils learned lots about the Masai ways - diet, school, language, respect for elders, music and dance - and lots about the animals that the Masai now protect and live with in harmony, such as leopards (which we heard can haul something twice their size - 160kg - up into a tree!).
The questions for David at the end from pupils were fantastic - Had he had any close calls with animals? Yes, he'd escaped from a stampeding elephant by running downhill into a river (elephants don't like going downhill), Could he throw his spear for us? How does a leopard stop birds from scavenging? When do you become a warrior?
Thank you to David Njapit for being a wonderful mwalimu or teacher to Year 2 – 8.
Thanks too to Old Westbournian Piers Winkworth and his wife Nina, who organised for Westbourne House pupils to meet David whilst he is in the UK.
It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about Masai culture, wildlife and the importance of conservation. David definitely lit a bright spark of curiosity and understanding.
At Westbourne House School, we aim to provide experiences and opportunities that are thought-provoking and inspire our children to think deeper and more empathetically about the challenges faced by many people, both within our community and beyond.
