The Inkanyezi Waldorf School strives to empower learners through holistic education

The Inkanyezi Waldorf School in Alexandra represents a transformative approach to education, aligned with the principles set forth by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education.

Since its inception in a small garage in the late 1980s, this school has been dedicated to nurturing children as whole beings addressing their intellectual, emotional, and creative needs.

The school teacher, Thuli Sibeko, said the Waldorf education model focuses on three primary aspects of a child’s development: Thinking, feeling, and willingness.

Read more: Alex schools finally join the digital world

“Teachers at Inkanyezi emphasise these components through a blend of theoretical learning, healing stories, and hands-on artistic activities.

“We do not only focus on theoretical learning. We look at the child holistically and strive to develop their thinking, feeling, and willing parts,” Sibeko said.

Sibeko added that children at Inkanyezi begin their educational journey with play and storytelling in kindergarten, allowing them to connect with their inner selves before transitioning to formal academic work in Grade 1.

“Remember, in kindergarten, the child is still in the spiritual world. We help them bridge that gap to the real world. However, we experience challenges in running the Waldorf school in the township as it is a fee-paying school surrounded by non-paying fee schools,” she said.

Read more: Sayza_ZA initiates Amagomora School Tour to empower Alex youth

Recently, 10 Grade 6 and 7 learners were awarded bursaries by the Alexandra Education Committee to continue their education at prestigious institutions, including the Oprah Winfrey Academy.

One of the Grade 7 learners, Aphile Mpalulo, who received a bursary, said, “I’m excited because this marks the beginning of my new life where I’m achieving my dreams and goals. I’m so excited for the opportunity and that next year I’m going to high school, I can’t even wait to make new friends.”

Grade 6 learner Temika Pieterse, awaiting results on her application for the bursary programme, said she is hoping to get the bursary and to change Inkanyezi before she leaves for high school.

“Being selected is something special, and I hope that I get the bursary because that will be a huge achievement and improvement of my life. I do have struggles in life but I have been taught in Inkanyezi Waldorf School that we grow by learning from our mistakes.

“I’m hoping to get this bursary because it will cover everything that I’ve struggled for, and it will encourage me to change Waldorf School, as I want to see it grow and see other children in the township experiencing this type of education,” Temika said.

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have

Related article: Adapt launches Girls and Boys Empowerment Movement in Alex schools