A School Rooted in Coomunity Life
KUFUNDA VILLAHE SCHOOL
Learning rooted in life
A Waldorf-inspired school woven into the life of a living learning village
Parents choose Kufunda for many different reasons.
Some come because their child is bright and curious and they want an education that will genuinely challenge and stretch them. Some come because their child has not yet found their confidence, and they are looking for a place where that can change. Some come simply because they believe education should be more than the accumulation of facts.
Our children are connected with Kufunda Village. They tend the biodynamic garden, work with their hands — knitting, sewing, building, crafting — and learn about medicinal plants from the village herb garden.
This is what makes Kufunda School unique. The learning village forms an integral part of their learning.
Received with Reverence
Every child arrives here known and seen — not just for their academic level, but for who they are. Our teachers meet each child where they are and move with them, not ahead of them.
Educated with Love
Our classrooms are warm, creative, and deeply engaged. Children learn through story, art, movement, and making — and they feel the care of teachers who are genuinely invested in their flourishing.
Sent forth with freedom
Our children leave with a strong academic foundation, genuine confidence, and a growing sense of who they are and how they want to meet the world
Educating the whole child
HEAD, HEART, HANDS LEARNING
We believe children learn most deeply when they can think, feel and do.Our school is based on Waldorf pedagogy and understanding of the developing child. This means that at Kufunda, a maths lesson might meet the imagination through the story of Farmer Plus or Tommy Times. A history lesson might come alive through drama. Children knit, sew, build, farm, make music and move their bodies - learning not only about the world, but also through their relationship with it. The children are fully involved in every lesson.Our school is deeply enhanced by our placement in an active learning village: The children have access to farming, handcrafts, eco-building, herbal knowledge and more practical experience which complements and enriches their main lessons.
Beginning a Boarding School
We have just begun offering boarding for children whose families live further afield - giving more Zimbabwean children access to this extraordinary education regardless of where they live.
Our boarding children become part of the life of Kufunda Village — waking to the rhythms of the community, sharing meals, tending the garden, and experiencing what it means to live in a place where learning never stops.
Many of our boarding children describe Kufunda as a second home. Their parents describe the change in their children. Boarding places are limited. If you are interested in a place for your child, we warmly invite you to reach out and begin a conversation with us.
A STRONG BODY OF TEACHERS
ON GOING LEARNING AND DEEPENING
Our teachers bring years of Waldorf training and experience from across the region — including graduates of the three-year Waldorf Teacher Training in Kenya and teachers with experience in South African Waldorf schools.
We have a strong, committed college of teachers who meet weekly for shared learning and enrichment. A teacher who continues to grow brings that aliveness into every lesson they teach.
ANNAH BENDICTO
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Annah Bendicto has been with the school since its inception in 2004. Anna was trained with the Ministry of Education as a pre-School teacher. She decided to further her education when she heard about Waldorf education.She has recently graduated from the East Africa Teachers Training in Kenya. Anna helps with facilitating Waldorf workshops in the communities. She also teacher handwork to all the primary school grades, teaching them knitting and sewing.
What parents notice...
"At first her teacher asked me if she had been going to school due to her poor performance. Then she began learning at Kufunda. She has improved so much — she now knows what she is doing. She now does her school work with love. If I ask her to be absent, she becomes furious and will not agree to stay home. I have seen that my child has really improved."
— Name, Title
- Parent of child in grade 5
"When my daughter was first transferred to Kufunda School she lacked confidence — but now she is confident with herself. No child is left behind. I am really thankful that they do not teach only academics but as well handwork.
My child has mastered knitting, sewing as well as crocheting. Recently she has finished knitting a hat that she is now wearing. As a parent I am happy. The school has helped my child with self esteem."
- Parent of child in grade 3