My excitement was overflowing as I saw this gate.

Dearest Stella and I in the kitchen where I spent much of my time.

Knowledge and understanding of the world area.

Enjoying the new materials that were placed in the classroom earlier that day.

Teacher Grace assisting a child while they build a puzzle.

Both these children working side by side.

Teacher Jackline in a new lesson on colour box 3.

The best gift for hard working teachers is WINE!

The garden is full of these delightful red Ipomoea's.

Kili Hope Montessori Academy

Jul 25 – Aug 7, 2025 in Tanzania ☁️ 18 °C

While my beloved was spending his time conquering the mountain, I spent my time volunteering at a Montessori school at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Being welcomed by Stella and Joeckim, I set up camp in their garden, and I was deeply grateful for their care, hospitality, and for being invited into their school to observe, assist, and offer advice. It was a rich, full, and heart-warming 9 days, which offered me time to do what I love and bask in the principles of Montessori, which, for me, are a way of life.

Teachers Grace, Jackline, Neatness, Winifrida, and I shared meaningful discussions and brainstorming sessions, discovering and trying new ways to meet the developmental needs of the children in attendance. I feel abundantly thankful to have connected with these remarkable women and to extend my Montessori community well into Africa.
This school began admitting pupils in January 2024 and, by January 2025, had enrolled 22 children, including 2 with learning disabilities. If you are curious to learn more about this project, head to https://kilihopefoundation.org/kilihope-montess… and follow them on https://www.instagram.com/kilihope_montessori/.Read more