In the organizer's words:

In January 2010, German biologist Stephanie Fuchs comes to Tanzania for a research project. There she meets Sokoine, a traditional Maasai. The two fall in love, move to his village, marry and become parents.

Despite cultural differences, malaria, blood poisoning and depression, Stephanie repeatedly chooses to live with the Maasai. She travels from Tanzania to tell us her story.

Originally a nomadic people who lived only on milk and meat, the Maasai are now a people in transition. Nevertheless, traditions such as polygamy still exist today. Anyone who begins to question certain rituals usually only hears: "It's our culture."
Understanding this as a European demands a lot.

Stephanie Fuchs is learning the Maa language and adapting to life without electricity and running water. She has not come to teach the people. She wants to integrate and learn, understand traditions and values.

She uses social media to finance land management training to help the Maasai deal better with the consequences of climate change. Together with her sister-in-law, she starts making washable sanitary towels for Maasai women.

In 2020, a YouTube video about her life goes viral and reaches 19 million clicks. Her story becomes internationally known. Stephanie Fuchs remains European and will never be a "White Maasai", but she feels deeply connected to the people and is committed to openness and cultural understanding.

Photo: © britibay