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Great Zimbabwe Montessori is dedicated to spreading the Montessori teaching philosophy in Zimbabwe. Our mission is to create a community of passionate and skilled teachers who are committed to fostering the unique potential of every child. We believe that every child deserves an education that nurtures their individuality, and we are devoted to providing the tools and resources necessary to make this vision a reality. Through our program, we aim to empower teachers to create a brighter future for Zimbabwean children.

Meet the Team

Tatenda Blessing Muchiriri

A dynamic advocate for Montessori education, has significantly impacted communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe by introducing Montessori principles. His work investigates the Afrocentric relevance of Montessori education, aligning it with the cultural contexts of these regions. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Tatenda integrates his global experiences to create inclusive and culturally relevant educational experiences. He founded Montessori on Wheels, a mobile program expanding access to Montessori education in Black and Brown communities. Tatenda holds AMS birth to 6 credentials and serves on the TEP board at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.

Makomborero Carl Muropa

A human rights lawyer, Makomborero Carl Muropa is the Programs Director for Great Zimbabwe Montessori. He has extensive experience in child rights advocacy, particularly for children affected by displacement and conflict. He serves on the EU Youth Sounding Board in Zimbabwe and has researched genocide's impact on children and marginalized groups. Passionate about the intersection of Montessori education and children's rights, he has also advised Montessori Gaza. His work is centred on integrating Montessori principles with the African experience of children.

Gabrielle Holt

A lifelong Montessorian, has extensive experience working with infants, toddlers, and their families. She coordinates programs to ensure authentic Montessori practices and educates parents on child development and the Montessori philosophy. Gabrielle has taught topics like child development and environmental design with various Montessori institutions. A seasoned presenter, she has shared her expertise at numerous Montessori and Early Childhood conferences and conducted staff and teacher training. Passionate about integrating Montessori philosophy with Infant Mental Health, she aims to create strong foundations for all children through quality childcare and parent education.

Amanda Muchena

A dedicated Montessori-trained teacher with over 15 years of experience working with young learners in China. As a Montessori mother, she understands firsthand the profound impact of this educational approach on children, evidenced by her own son, now thriving in middle school. She strongly believes in the full potential of young learners and is committed to sustaining and supporting their love of learning. Amanda is a passionate advocate for culturally responsive pedagogy and explores integrating Montessori education into the Zimbabwean education landscape. Her dedication and experience make her a respected and emerging leader in the Montessori community.

John Bos

A Montessori student from age three through high school, John gained a deep, personal understanding of the Montessori method. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he spent the early part of his career in various sales and marketing roles, gaining valuable experience in the business world. Over the past year, he has reconnected with the Montessori community and now serves as a Project Administrator to various Teacher Education Programs. John's unique background combines a solid Montessori foundation with professional expertise in sales and marketing, enabling him to bring a fresh perspective to Montessori education. His journey from Montessori student to business professional and now consultant in the Montessori field reflects his commitment to the educational approach that shaped his early years.

Our Philosophy

The Montessori teaching philosophy is centred on the belief that every child is unique and has immense potential. Our approach focuses on fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking in children through a hands-on learning environment. We emphasize joy in learning and teaching, believing that education should be a transformative and enjoyable experience for both educators and learners. By integrating Montessori principles with culturally relevant practices, we aim to create an educational framework that resonates with the Zimbabwean context.

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs designed to support teachers and enhance the educational experience for children. Our Better Is Possible (BIP) Fellowship Programme is a key initiative that provides educators with comprehensive training and mentorship in Montessori methods. Through this program, teachers gain the knowledge and skills needed to implement Montessori principles in their classrooms and learning spaces. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that educators from all backgrounds can participate and benefit.

Our Community

Great Zimbabwe Montessori thrives on the strength of our community. We partner with organizations such as Montessori on Wheels (MOW), The Young Montessorian, and Seed of Life to create a network of support for educators. Our community is built on collaboration and shared goals, aiming to uplift and empower teachers across Zimbabwe. We believe in the power of collective effort and are committed to working together to transform education for the better.

We'd love to hear from you!

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