New Delhi: Maasai Warriors from the Laikipia region in Kenya have exchanged their spears for cricket bats and they are using cricket as a vehicle to empower youth and to target social problems in order to bring about positive change in their communities. A cricket team made up of Maasai warriors from the Laikipia region of Kenya has been formed to promote healthier lifestyles, as well as spreading awareness about HIV amongst the tribal youth. The region has seen a rise in Maasai youth turn to drink and drugs. Their community is male-dominated, women have few rights - even to their own bodies - and HIV is both rife and stigmatised. In some cases children are married off in return for livestock or alcohol, and girls as young as 6 are circumcised. Indeed, beyond the initial pain & psychological trauma, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) causes considerable health problems and puts the girls at high-risk of infection. These 'Cricket Warriors' feel education and change is the only way to secure the health of the community, provide equality to their society, and as a result protect their future. Its cricket that's given these young guys a status. Their peers are beginning to listen to them; schoolchildren - both boys and girls - are looking up to them.Watch Pics:Maasai warriors bowler in action.Maasai warriors celebrating a wicket.Maasai warriors captain going for the toss.Maasai warriors batsmen building strategy.
