Nobuhle Mbatani
I have been teaching at Zenzeleni Waldorf School since 2005, but my journey as a teacher began long before that. I studied at the Centre for Creative Education in 2002. Discovering the Waldorf curriculum was like stepping into a new world – a world full of wonder, rhythm, and a deep love of learning. 

It has been a privilege to see the children I have taught grow up to become engineers, chefs, musicians and even teachers themselves. I truly believe that the Waldorf curriculum enriches not only the child, but also the teacher. Every year, I discover the subjects with new eyes and learn alongside my students. 

My heart has always been with the children who need extra support, those who struggle, who need a little more patience and encouragement. I have also had the pleasure of mentoring upper primary school teachers, helping them to navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching – from lesson planning to finding creative solutions in the classroom. 

But my dreams for Zenzeleni go beyond what we have now. I want the school to grow so that our children have more space to run around, explore, and learn. I dream of expanding the primary school or even opening a secondary school, so that more children can continue their education without financial barriers. At present, too many of our pupils struggle to find a secondary school that their families can afford – I hope we can change that. 

Emma Stotko

I joined Zenzeleni Waldorf School in 2014, initially as a part-time teacher and then full-time in 2020. I studied Eurythmy at the Centre for Creative Education and graduated in 2014. Later, I followed my love of Psychology; in 2022, I completed my Bachelor of Social Science and received an award for it in 2024.

Music and movement are my passion. There is something truly magical about creating a space where children can express themselves, discover new skills, and unleash their creativity. The students at Zenzeleni have an incredible talent for music. With support from both near and far, we are working to establish our own music department, which will give our children access to a variety of both instruments and musical styles. I dream of a place where they can explore, create, and develop their own unique sound. Together, Nobuhle Mbatani and I are part of the Zenzeleni sponsorship team, which records the children's stories and shares them with the world and the sponsors. It is an incredible experience to sit with them, listen to their dreams, and organise fun activities.

It's not always easy – there are the daily struggles with power cuts, taxi strikes and financial challenges. But despite everything, the teachers remain undeterred, driven by a deep love of teaching and the belief that every child deserves a chance to shine. 

Zenzeleni is more than just a school; it is a place of opportunity. A place where children can be children, where learning is filled with wonder, and where education is not just about textbooks, but about the soul. 

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