Montessori for Kenya
March 2024
As stated in their application, Montessori for Kenya (MfK) is an NGO affiliated to AMI to expand capacity for Montessori activities in Kenya. It was established in 2019 with a purpose to consolidate training, build human capacity, and enhanced accessibility to enable Montessori education to proliferate and thrive across the country. East Pokot is a district in the Kenyan Rift Valley Province, located in the semi-arid to arid savannah plains north of Lake Baringo. The district is almost exclusively inhabited by the Southern Nilotic speaking Pokot and is one of the poorest areas of Kenya, characterized by rapid population growth, weak infrastructure, and high illiteracy rates. A large proportion of the population are pastoralists and live a traditional life with limited access to resources such as electricity and sanitation. Many children do not attend school because of the poor quality of education and lack of infrastructure. Of those who do attend many drop out due to poverty and culture with young primary girls as the most vulnerable group.
In order to enact change in this community MfK is using Montessori education as a path forward. High quality Montessori education can make a lasting impact for children and families in East Pokot, as a strong foundation for life and further education. Through Montessori education, these young boys and girls will get a wider choice of viable activities that are developmental and appreciative to humanity. As a result of this intervention, it is also expected that children will develop important capabilities such as greater social competence, enhanced thinking and reasoning skills at school age and fewer behavior problems.
MGGF’s most recent grant will fully fund training for a new teacher who will set up a Montessori school in the Pokot community. Training includes in-depth theoretical study followed by practical experience combined with assessments and mentoring. The teacher is chosen by an experienced local team from the community. After the first year of training the teacher begins working in an existing school under a mentor for another year.
We believe through support from this grant the MfK initiative will be able to develop and grow and help them fulfill their mission to provide high-quality Montessori education to all Kenyan children and families.
