The East Africa Association of Waldorf Steiner Schools brings together Waldorf education initiatives across East Africa to strengthen and expand holistic child-centred education in the region.

Waldorf Education first arrived in East Africa in the early 90’s. The movement grew steadily with kindergarten and school initiatives emerging in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. These independent initiatives joined to form the East Africa Association of Waldorf Steiner Schools. The Association was created to link projects across the region, share resources, and build a sustainable East Africa foundation for Waldorf pedagogy.

The heart of the association is the Rudolf Steiner School in Mbagathi, Kenya.  Founded in 1989, it is regarded as the mother school of Waldorf Steiner schools in East Africa. It became the main centre for Waldorf teacher training for both primary school classes and kindergartens.

FUNCTIONS AND WORK

 

The association serves several key functions

Teacher training and mentorship:

It runs the regional training programme for Waldorf kindergarten and primary teachers at the Rudolf Steiner School Mbagathi. The programme has trained dozens of East African teachers reducing reliance on Europe and building capacity. Recently over 60 teachers have completed or are completing training modules.

Linking and supporting schools:

The Association connects Waldorf initiatives and schools across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and beyond. It provides a platform for schools and kindergartens to share curriculum development, mentorships and practical support, helping new initiatives establish themselves.

Promoting Holistic education:

Its stated goal is to establish Waldorf schools in the region. This approach emphasizes the intellectual, artistic and practical development of the child following Rudolf Steiner’s three seven-year phases of the child development.

Expanding Access

Member schools focus on making education accessible to children from financially disadvantaged background through scholarships and sponsorships.

The Waldorf approach in East Africa, like any other Waldorf school in the world works with an understanding of the human being as Body, Soul and Spirit. The curriculum integrates artistic expression, hands-on activities and practical learning aimed at developing free, morally responsible and socially competent individuals.

Casmir Msigwa

Chair of EAAWSS