Kabarak University, led by UNESCO chair Prof. Joel Kiboss and the Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager, Mr. Andrew Marangu, participated in the official unveiling of the Ogiek community cultural center and the Learning Beyond Education (LBE) exchange program in Nkaretta, a remote area 18km into the Mau Forest in Narok County.
Professor Kibos and his team, in addition to their UNESCO responsibilities concerning culture, took the opportunity to showcase the academic programs offered at Kabarak University.
The ceremony centered around the launch of the Ogiek Cultural Center, which was hailed as a beacon of hope and pride for the Ogiek people. The Center serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage with which this community has persevered through generations.
The event highlighted the resilience and strength of the Ogiek community. For centuries, they have lived in harmony with nature, safeguarding their traditions, language, and way of life despite facing challenges and hardships.
The inauguration of the cultural center signifies a significant milestone for the Ogiek people's journey towards cultural preservation, development, and empowerment. The Center goes beyond offering a physical space to protect Ogiek heritage. It functions as a platform for cultural exchange, education, and fostering community engagement.
The ceremony also included the launch of the Learning Beyond Education (LBE) exchange program, which aims to foster cultural understanding and collaboration between the Ogiek community and other groups.