We are a preschool/kindergarten for impoverished local children that has adopted Montessori principles for early childhood learning. Our goal is to provide a safe, warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where the children can explore their own creativity, problem solve independently, and make friends.
The Center
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, we are a bi-lingual preschool/Kindergarten serving 25 children aged 2-6 years from families below the poverty line. Our center provides two healthy meals, a daily snack, and quality education in Swahili and English. To learn more about where we started in Tanzania and the progress we’ve made, visit our Development Timeline.
Located in Arusha, Tanzania, we are a bi-lingual preschool/Kindergarten serving 25 children aged 2-6 years from families below the poverty line. Our center provides two healthy meals, a daily snack, and quality education in Swahili and English.
At FCCF, we have two mixed-age classrooms based on the principles of Montessori schools, where children of different ages learn together. The children are exposed to a variety of interests and skills through interaction with one another. Classes are taught in Swahili and in English. Between the two classrooms there is a room for nap time and quiet play. Bathrooms are located in a separate building, one for boys and one for girls.
Our Teachers
Ruth Kaiser
Ruth began volunteer teaching in 1982 after completing her primary education, working with children aged 0–5 in Moshi. From 1990 to 1994, she continued teaching near her home village of Moivaro.
In 1995, Ruth enrolled at the Montessori Training Center in Dar es Salaam, where she studied:
- Child psychology
- Vocational skills
- Health and nutrition
- Geography
- Science
- First aid
- Leadership
- Creating teaching materials, and more
After completing her college training, she worked at Sinai Daycare for three years, then at Pefa Church for six years, and later at Bilal Muslim for two years.
In 2014, she generously founded her own school near her home to support the children in her village. Alongside her work in education, Ruth enjoys teaching children about the Word of God at her local Lutheran church.
Jennifer Lihega Kasilo
As a philosophical education approach, Montessori helps students learn about their environment and physical surroundings and how to enjoy childhood moments and happy lives.
My name is Jennifer Lihega. I’m not a certified Montessori teacher, but I have been learning about Montessori principles and using them to make my classroom more interactive and child-centered.
I was a bachelor’s degree student at Moshi Cooperative University, majoring in procurement and supply chain management. As a Christian girl, I dedicated my late teens and early twenties to working and teaching (volunteering) at nurseries and daycare centers in various places where I lived.
I love kids a lot. I am passionate and good at observing, showing my skills, and adapting to new ones. Teaching by centering kids’ attention and fostering love enables me and my students to create a a communicative and friendly class. Little kids know love and care. If this is shown and passed among them, they significantly give love back and show it amongst themselves. They will also quickly learn how to care for their belongings and school properties. Investing in a child’s education and well-being is the best investment for the future.
Our Tanzania-Based Staff
Lotha Paulo Mollel
Operation Manager/US Liaison
Lotha is a dedicated professional with a background in tourism and a passion for helping others. After completing high school and tourism college, Lotha spent nearly five years volunteering at Faraja Orphanage as an English teacher, Swahili translator, and driver. Now, Lotha has transitioned into the hospitality industry, bringing a strong work ethic and diverse experience to the field. Lotha is a primary contact and contributor to the operations at Felicia Children’s Center.
Paul Sindivo Koris,
Accountant
Mr. Paul Sindivo Koris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy from St. Austine University of Tanzania. Before joining FCCF, he was an Accountant at Kiliagro and Livestock Products Limited.
At his previous job, Paul successfully participated in preparing the company’s financial statements and has also solved issues related to company tax problems raised from TRA Audits and examinations.
He attends various professional seminars organized by TRA, NBAA, and financial institutions and workshops to build professional capability and competence.
Rose Benjamin Elias,
Cook/Custodian
My name is Rose. I work for the Felicia Children’s Center as a cook and a cleaner. I completed my primary education in 2017. I create a friendly environment for the children. I work hard to ensure the classrooms are tidy, bathrooms are clean, and students have meals on time each school day. I love seeing the kids happy and healthy. I take a lot of pride in making sure the kids are cared for each day at the Center.
Educational Approach: Montessori-like
Education is an important component for Tanzania as they continue to develop. Education has a crucial role to play in achieving sustainable development in Tanzania. The objectives of primary education should provide the learner with opportunities to acquire literacy, numeracy, creativity and communication skills.
8 out of 10 children go to school in Tanzania, according to a UNESCO statistic only 58 % who are enrolled finish primary school and 34% finish secondary school. 64 million live in TZ – 14 million below the poverty line.
Education creates economic growth, community pride and empowerment.
Our primary teacher, Ruth is a graduate of the Montessori Teachers Training College MTTC in Mwanza TZ.
The 4 C’s of Montessori:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- creativity
- communication
Education is an important component for Tanzania as they continue to develop. Education has a crucial role to play in achieving sustainable development in Tanzania. The objectives of primary education should provide the learner with opportunities to acquire literacy, numeracy, creativity and communication skills.
8 out of 10 children go to school in Tanzania, according to a UNESCO statistic only 58 % who are enrolled finish primary school and 34% finish secondary school. 64 million live in TZ – 14 million below the poverty line.
Education creates economic growth, community pride and empowerment.
Our primary teacher, Ruth is a graduate of the Montessori Teachers Training College MTTC in Mwanza TZ.
The 4 C’s of Montessori:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- creativity
- communication
Children “work” for the joy of working and the sense of discovery. The Montessori environment provides a natural sense of discipline. Everything in the room has a specific place on the shelf. Children are orderly by nature and like the room set up this way. Through a well ordered, enriched, but simplified environment, the child’s need for order and security is intensely satisfied thereby forming a calming effect for the child. The children “work with materials” rather than play with toys which sets up the framework of the school day. An “I can do it attitude” is strongly encouraged. Montessori is known for mixing an age span of three years within the classroom to foster a sense of community. Mixed age groups help to eliminate competition and aid in building self esteem. Montessori is a child centered environment. The tables and chairs are small enough for them to sit comfortably and signs and decorations are hung at eye level for them.
