Maasai Mara, Kenya: Learning to Take Care of our Common Home
In the heart of Kenya’s captivating Maasai Mara lives a dedicated Mill Hill Missionary Priest, Father William Epiti, whose unwavering commitment to both his faith and the environment is shaping a brighter, greener future for the children of this region. Hailing from Uganda Father Epiti has embraced his role as an educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable living, inspiring young minds to be stewards of the earth by planting trees and nurturing the precious gift of our common home.
A Journey of Faith and Service
Father William Epiti’s journey as a missionary priest is a testament to his deep-rooted faith and passion for service. Since his arrival in the Maasai Mara region, he has wholeheartedly embraced the local culture, building bridges of understanding and empathy with the communities he serves. Embracing the teachings of Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si’,” Father Epiti recognized the urgency of addressing environmental issues and making a positive impact on the community’s future.
Planting Seeds of Knowledge
At the heart of Father Epiti’s mission lies his dedication to providing education to the children of Maasai Mara. He firmly believes that knowledge is the key to empowering the younger generation and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. As a result, he has actively involved himself in running a school that not only imparts academic knowledge but also instils values of environmental consciousness.

Caring for Our Common Home.
Drawing inspiration from “Laudato Si’,” Father Epiti began promoting tree-planting initiatives among the students. He realized that reforestation was not only vital for the local ecosystem but also offered an opportunity to teach the children valuable lessons about sustainability and interconnectedness. Under his guidance, the schoolchildren enthusiastically took up the challenge, eagerly planting saplings and nurturing them with love and care.
Cultivating a Green Legacy.
Father Epiti’s efforts have borne fruit both figuratively and literally, as the once-barren school grounds now boast a thriving mini-forest of young trees. The children have not only embraced the importance of their role in safeguarding the environment but have also become ambassadors of sustainability within their families and the community.
Beyond the school’s walls, Father Epiti has extended his mission by engaging with local leaders and collaborating with environmental organizations to expand the scope of tree-planting initiatives. His advocacy has garnered support, with people from all walks of life contributing to the noble cause of preserving the natural beauty of Maasai Mara.
A Vision for the Future.
Father William Epiti envisions a future where children grow up to become environmentally conscious individuals, who continue to cherish and protect the planet they call home. Through education and hands-on experiences like tree-planting, he believes that children will develop a sense of ownership and responsibility towards nature, transforming them into the stewards that the world desperately needs.
In conclusion, Father William Epiti’s selfless dedication and commitment to promoting sustainable living and environmental conservation have made him an exceptional role model and beacon of hope in Maasai Mara. His tireless efforts to educate and inspire the young generation to plant trees and care for our common home are a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community and the environment at large. With Father Epiti’s guidance, the children of Maasai Mara are sowing the seeds of change for a greener, more sustainable future.
Placide Elia MHM
