Kakuma Connections

The Montessori School of Tokyo is proud to announce an ongoing partnership with Bidii Yetu, an organization supporting Kakuma Refugee Camp in northwestern Kenya, a camp established in 1992 that now serves over 612,000 refugees from 13 countries. Refugees at Kakuma, displaced due to war, persecution, and climate change, face numerous challenges, particularly in education. With classrooms severely overcrowded, and a shortage of teachers and essential materials, the quality of education is compromised.

Bidii Yetu: “Our Diligence”

In response, MST parent Vincent Valdmann has initiated a project to address some of these pressing issues. Collaborating with Martin Abumba, a dedicated refugee who founded Bidii Yetu (meaning “our diligence” in Swahili) to support fellow refugees, the project focuses on enhancing education and community well-being in the camp.

“What struck me most about Martin was the clarity and holistic nature of his vision for Bidii Yetu: to enhance early childhood education, use art as a form of therapy, support teenagers and young adults with online education, engage in permaculture and environmental sustainability, and provide support for people with disabilities,” writes Dr Malika Virah-Sawmy, who is affiliated with the United Nations.

Fundraising Activities

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous MST parent, breakfast and lunch is now provided to the 110 children of their Montessori school, and plans are underway to address additional needs such as toilets, school materials, a garden, and playground equipment. MST is committed to fundraising efforts through sales in events like the school picnic and winter social to further support these vital initiatives. MST parents already raised 16,300 yen for Bidii Yetu through the second-hand clothing sale at the MST picnic.

This long-term project exemplifies the Montessori values of compassion, community, and global awareness. Our students have a unique opportunity to engage with children at Kakuma, fostering connections and mutual learning. Together, we aim to create a brighter future for the children of Kakuma.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute to this meaningful cause.

–Maria Hovi, Wind Edward Kim