Madam, – I am delighted to see a letter (February 16th) highlighting the wonderful award Elaine Bannon is receiving from the Kenyan government. It is such an honour for her. I have become aware of her great work over the past year. So rarely do you find someone who is selflessly giving up everything for the good of others. She is building wells, schools, clinics and helping the people of Rombo attain a better standard of living.
I wholeheartedly support the work she is continuing in Kenya – she is an inspiration to us all! – Yours, etc,
Madam, – At last, recognition for a modern day saint! Elaine Bannon is receiving a very prestigious award, called the Order of the Grand Warrior, from the Kenyan government for her work with the people of Kenya.
Irishwoman Elaine Bannon has given up everything she had in Ireland to work with poor children in Kenya. Once a manager of a successful commercial lighting company, she swapped her executive lifestyle for life in the bush, her posh car for a jeep, her colleagues for Maasai warriors, her bath for a bucket of water. When Ms Bannon invited me to Kenya, myself and my wife travelled out to stay with her for a week and it was a very interesting experience.
A typical day in her life starts with a knock on her door at 6am. All morning people call to her asking for help. It could be help with a water problem, a child that needs medical treatment that does not have the 50 cent for treatment, a village in need of a school or a family in desperate need of food. She often retreats into her little house and comes back with her empty purse. She will suggest a course of action that will involve writing to the Kenyan officials, Irish friends back home or whatever she things will resolve the problem.
The Maasai people respect her and have given her the Maasai name of Naraku (meaning brought by children).
She works closely with the Kenyan government officials in her area and with various companies, organisations and individuals that admire her work. Information about Ms Bannon and her Light of Maasai registered charity is on www.lightofmaasai.com.
Well done to The Irish Timesfor picking up this wonderful piece of great news. – Yours, etc,