The boarding school is a home for the girls and boys, where love and care are matched by involvement. There are two buildings, both of which have two floors. The younger children live on the ground floor, while the older ones have their own area on the upper floor. The age range is wide – the youngest resident among the girls is just three years old, the oldest 16. Each area is managed by boarding school parents. The boarding school mothers are affectionately called ‘Boma’ by the students, a short word formed from two prefixes from the words ‘boarding mother’. There are five boarding school mothers and one father in total. 

Agnes and Winnie, two bomas, are essentially the heart and soul of the Girls Hostel. Both have already gained a wealth of experience, as they have been performing this role for a very long time: Agnes since 2006 and Winnie since 1999. Together, they look after the girls with loving care. “We are more than just carers, we are the pillars that the girls can lean on when they feel that the walls of life are closing in on them,” says Agnes. Many of the girls who live in the facility come from very difficult backgrounds – some are orphans, others have been rescued from abusive situations and separated from their families. Many have been saved from neglect or exploitation. The situation is similar for the boys, for whom the boarding school parents are more than just carers – they are mentors and friends. They play an essential role in ensuring that the boys are physically, emotionally and academically well. They also keep an eye on their behaviour, cleanliness and general well-being. "Being part of this journey has taught us so much. It's not just about helping these girls and boys, but we are also learning ourselves. We have become better parents and mentors by understanding what they really need and how we can support them. In return, we have the privilege of helping to shape their future – a future that is full of potential," says Winnie. 

A typical morning at the facility starts early: the older children start their day at 5 a.m., while the little preschoolers wake up at 6 a.m. Breakfast starts at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays. The children take turns setting the breakfast tables and clearing them after breakfast. Afterwards, they usually walk to their classrooms singing. 

An additional challenge for many of the girls and boys is obtaining basic items such as soap, toothpaste, body oil, feminine hygiene products and school supplies. Through donations, the school ensures that every child has the essentials they need, which is life-changing for them. They also receive healthy meals and enough time to play and rest, especially on weekends. 

On weekends, the children have lots of fun doing their favourite activities. Indoors, they play Ludo, draughts or Monopoly. Outdoors, they play football, paint, tell stories and read. On Saturday nights, they get together for social gatherings; they tell stories, laugh, and nurture friendships. Sundays are quieter; they help others and take time to reflect on their values, and how they can make the world a better place. In the study areas, the older children do their homework, while the younger ones lie on the carpet and read stories together. It is an opportunity to grow together by reading books, before they immerse themselves in their own schoolwork. 

The children also learn to take responsibility by helping with household chores. For example, they each wash their own clothes. The younger ones take care of the lighter items such as shirts and socks, while the boarding school parents help with the heavier laundry. They also make their beds and tidy their rooms.
Every Saturday, the entire facility is thoroughly cleaned – a team effort. 

Mealtimes are another opportunity for girls and boys to take on responsibility. They help in the canteen, wash the dishes, wipe the tables and participate in food preparation. Above all, it is about working together and learning teamwork. The children are proud of their contributions and enjoy doing their tasks. 

For some girls and boys, this path is difficult at first. Many arrive at the boarding school paralysed by fear or unable to communicate after traumatic experiences. Post-traumatic symptoms sometimes manifest themselves in bedwetting, stuttering, or excessive crying. Thanks to the patience and understanding of the boarding school parents and the school in general, the children heal over time and rebuild their trust and self-confidence. ‘It's incredible to see how they transform,’ marvels Karanja from the Boys Hostel.

Please sponsor a group at the Rudolf Steiner School Mbagathi hostel and help the girls and boys continue to spend their school days in a safe and loving environment. You can sponsor a group directly using the form on our website. Become a sponsor 

We are also very grateful for donations that are not linked to a sponsorship. Support the Rudolf Steiner boarding school in Mbagathi: Donate now