When The Sarara Foundation (TSF) opened its fifth nomadic school in Murit Village in early September, it was about far more than a new place to learn.
Tucked into the most remote corner of Namunyak Community Conservancy’s 850,000-acre landscape, Naireerei Montessori School represents a homecoming and a new chapter for local Samburu families.
For parents who previously had to send their little ones away to live with relatives to attend school, Naireerei brings the chance for a different kind of childhood – one in which learning can happen close to home, with the close-knit bonds of family and the wider community an uninterrupted part of each child’s upbringing.
“Thirty-one children signed up on opening day, and more are coming every week,” says Teddy Salash Lemeriwas, Head of Research, Monitoring and Reporting at TSF, adding that enrolment is set to increase as more parents welcome home children who currently live elsewhere to access education.
A shared vision for the next generation
On 12 September, after months of hard work and tireless preparation – as well as plenty of excitement – the day finally arrived. Celebrating the school’s opening, the occasion saw everyone from parents to key stakeholders unite to bless this milestone and wish both teachers and students well on their journey of learning.
And what a day it was! Coming out in large numbers, the community demonstrated their hope in the new school – and how much they value learning. And as he reflected on parents’ enthusiasm about welcoming their children back home, Teddy highlighted how the school also allows them to be more closely involved in their education and upbringing.
Given its significance for the growth and development of young minds in the region, the opening not only brought together the Naireerei community – including women, Elders and morans (warriors) – but also key officials travelling from far and wide to join the celebrations.
From Ngilai Central Conservancy management and Board members to County and National Government representatives, all expressed their shared commitment to supporting the school and its community, and helping it flourish in the years ahead.
A village invested in its children
By the time Naireerei Montessori School opened, all its structures and facilities were in place, and everything was ready for the children to begin their learning journey close to home.
Proud to finally have a school of its own, the community embraced it as an investment in its children’s future and committed wholeheartedly to taking care of it. In fact, one of the most inspiring aspects of the opening was the grassroots involvement of parents, who pledged to be hands-on in everything from protecting the facilities and providing security to supporting teachers, creating a conducive learning environment, and encouraging other families to enrol their children and ensure they attend regularly.
With prolonged drought leaving the village with just one functioning borehole for domestic needs, the community also agreed that the school and its learners should be given priority when water was shared – a practical commitment grounded in their determination to make the school work for their children.
How Montessori learning is taking root at Naireerei
As part of TSF’s Nomadic Education Program – the world’s first community-led Mobile Montessori Schools – Naireerei is the fifth school in this flagship initiative, which continues to expand both in its reach and the progress of its learners.
Since launching in 2019, the program has delivered best-in-class, community-led education to over 1,050 children through four schools across Namunyak Conservancy. With this fifth school, the culturally relevant model reaches even further into a region where learning options have traditionally been incredibly scarce, investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders and helping children develop the skills and confidence they need to shape their futures and care for their environment.
While the program has shown steady progress year on year, the third quarter of 2026 proved particularly strong with enrolment increasing by 19% across all the schools. Naireerei is an important part of this momentum, extending the program’s reach to more learners while making a promising start in just a few short weeks.
Early reports show encouraging signs in the children’s development, from learning to write and engaging independently with Montessori materials to exploring how to work together. With the guidance of the school’s two dedicated teachers, they’re building confidence, developing their abilities and showing a growing eagerness to come to school.
The children are also forming vital friendships and bonds with one another, and these connections foster a sense of belonging as they begin to find their place in this new school community.
Meanwhile, work is already well under way to further develop the school’s facilities, including the completion of its manyatta kitchen with the help of the teachers. Community engagement has also been strong, and a recently elected committee is set to act as the school’s eyes, ears and voice – helping to safeguard the premises, mobilise support, preserve precious resources like water, and foster a spirit of unity and respect.
“Most importantly, the school has restored hope among families and young children who previously faced significant barriers to education. It has the potential to become a strong foundation for education and future community leadership.”
Teddy Salash Lemeriwas, TSF Head of Research, Monitoring and Reporting
With gratitude to those who made it possible
Bringing quality education closer to home for every child depends on the shared commitment and generosity of donors and supporters who believe in the power of education to change lives and strengthen communities for generations to come.
Thanks to donor Susan Welch, the dream of Naireerei Montessori School became a reality. After visiting Sarara with her late husband in 2022, and learning of the project, she decided to fund the school through the Jeffrey Baum Legacy Project in his memory.
We’re also deeply grateful to all our partners for their support of the school and its community. From food to solar power and Wi-Fi, each contribution helps create an environment where children can learn and thrive. These include:
Food from the County Government of Samburu, helping to nourish the children and support their education in the bush.
Supplies and porridge from TSF, helping keep the children nourished and ready to learn.
Much-needed water from TSF and Ngilai Central, supporting the school’s daily needs.
Wi-Fi, Starlink, and solar power from various supporters, including TSF, providing essential infrastructure for teaching and learning.
“Naireerei is already contributing to the children’s learning and development – and to the continued progress of TSF’s Education Program. With electricity and a Starlink connection in place, it has the infrastructure to support day-to-day teaching and learning. The school is going to shape this community for generations.”
Teddy Salash Lemeriwas, TSF Head of Research, Monitoring and Reporting
Visit a nomadic Montessori school on safari in Kenya
As one of the highlights of a family safari in Kenya – giving children the chance to play and learn alongside their Samburu peers – guests at Sarara’s ecolodges can spend time at one of our schools to witness its passionate teachers work their magic, and see eager young minds engrossed in inspiring activities. It’s a favourite experience for many guests, and these visits leave them with hope for the future and admiration for what can be achieved through purpose and dedication.
“Magical experience for us and our 6-year-old twins. A Montessori experience like no other: It was such a gift for our children to interact with the students there. Watching them play and learn side by side was deeply meaningful – not only did our kids get a glimpse of another culture, but they also saw how much they had in common. I was so impressed with the handmade learning materials the teachers created – it spoke volumes about the passion and creativity here.”
– Hazel S. on TripAdvisor