Empowering local Architects and Craftspersons
Demographic change in Africa, along with the immense demand for new school facilities, presents a historic opportunity: to sustainably overcome the dominance of colonial, teacher-centred classroom models in favour of a child-centred African school architecture.
Against this backdrop, the Arthur Waser Foundation supports local teachers, architects, and craftspeople in the design, planning, and realisation of new, inspiring schools based on Montessori Architecture.
In recent years, important groundwork has been laid – through the publication of the handbook and the website montessori-architecture.org, the construction of several – in some cases award-winning – model schools across various regions of Tanzania, the development of a network of dedicated local architectural professionals, and the provision of architectural blueprints for small-scale, child-centred schools.
With the recently launched «MCT Challenge Fund», Montessori teachers in Tanzania are provided with financial resources and architectural support to establish their own scalable nursery schools. Each of these facilities is designed by local architects, built using regional materials, and follows the 28 patterns of Montessori architecture. In this way, inspiring spaces are created that not only promote independent learning but also strengthen local employment, foster a sense of ownership, and nurture community spirit.
For more information, visit: MCT Challenge Fund for Montessori Nursery Schools in Tanzania.