These schools all carried the Steiner Waldorf "label" as some of the teachers had done or were busy doing the Waldorf Training in Nairobi, while others had trained at Emerson. It was sad to see however that very early intellectual teaching was the way. Children from the age of three were WRITING and took homework home after a day at school. They were tired and not very happy children and one felt the enormous pressure. Most of the kindergarten teachers had been state trained and the Government curriculum demanded that all children be educated in this way and 6 year olds had to write EXAMS for school readiness. The teachers were aware that they were "damaging" the children and put out a plea for Waldorf Training in Uganda. Most could not afford the journey to Kenya for training and those who wished for it had the competition of their colleagues who only knew state training. One had the feeling that not much was known of what Waldorf Pedagogue stood for yet the will to further and improve their teaching skills was asked for.
Here are images of Super Stars Steiner Kindergarten where Williamer Mubiru, who studied at Emerson College was Director. The dolls were made with banana fibre, the animals were made with various materials like feathers, bark, natural cotton etc. and those children in the photo made them besides the pile of books with writing and sums.
Other initiatives and the St. Peters Primary are all on video.
Williamer has been building a structure for the past 10 years, bit by bit as finances and time allow, which is to house an Anthroposophic Centre with Library, workshop space, hall for Eurythmy performances, study rooms and guest rooms. However the project has still far to go and one feels this would be a wonderful project for a group of youths out to do a goodwill service and help complete this building.
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