Maasai Warrior jumps for joy with Gause kids

Washougal — Gause Elementary second graders learned to jump for joy this month during a visit from a Kenyan Maasai Warrior. Sabore Ole Oyie, a warrior and elder from the Ewaso Nyiro region of Kenya, visited with Gause students and parents Feb. 4 to explain his culture and day-to-day life. Students prepared for his visit by learning about the customs, animals and language of Ole Oyie’s home. They even learned a few Kiswahili words and made mock passports before he came. He visited as part of his work with the Blue Planet Network and his project, Sabore’s Well, according to a Washougal School District press release. Ole Oyie came dressed in traditional Maasai clothing and spoke about life in his village. He also asked the kids to join him in a jumping dance, which is performed to celebrate a successful lion hunt. Ole Oyie travels to spread awareness and raise money to help provide clean water to his region. “I’m surprised at how much more dangerous the elephant is than the lion,” student Will McDaniel said in the press release. “And the warrior ritual for ear piercing was cool.”