Send Rosie to Upendo Montessori

Rosie Bushbaum Start Date: Feb 8, 2015 - End Date: Jun 7, 2015
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Usa River, Tanzania

My Travel Story

by: Rosie Bushbaum Start Date: Feb 8, 2015 - End Date: Jun 7, 2015
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela


I am a 28 year veteran Montessori teacher and have spent my life working with young children in Montessori Schools in many states across the country.  It has always been a dream of mine to share the Montessori philosophy with children in another country.  This summer I will be taking my teaching skills and experience to Tanzania. While I am in Tanzania I will be volunteer teaching at Upendo Montessori, a school offered for children of poverty and orphans.  I will be working in a classroom Monday-Friday and offering science and art classes at the on Saturdays.  By volunteering in Tanzania this summer it will allow for a teacher at Upendo to have an opportunity to travel to Boulder, Colorado to be formally trained in the Montessori method.  


The Montessori philosophy was founded over 100 years ago by Maria Montessori in Italy.  She was the first female doctor in Italy, a woman before her time.  She was asked by the Italian government to open up a school in the slums of Rome, Italy.  It was at this time that her philosophy started to develop.  Maria Montessori’s compassion, brilliance, ambition, and commitment to children is something that I have always admired.  Since the opening of her school in Rome (Casa dei Bambini), Montessori schools have spread to all four corners of the world.  However, not all Montessori schools are available to children in need.  Upendo is unique in that it is offered to children free of charge.  I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to volunteer at Upendo Montessori School this summer.



Upendo Montessori School was established in 2012 by Betsy Hoke (before Betsy’s implementation of the Montessori method, children were learning through rote and drill exercises on the chalkboard).  They did not have their first book until Betsy brought it to them.


Working with children of poverty is something that I experienced many years ago. That experience filled my soul and spirit. The children were an inspiration to me.  Their love, gratefulness, and enthusiasm for learning and for each other was invigorating and refreshing.  Observing the children appreciating the small things throughout the day made me evaluate and appreciate my own life.  The children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn was contagious and life-changing.  


At Upendo the children are offered a breakfast of porridge each day and lunch consists of rice and beans.  For many of the children at Upendo these are their only meals for the day.  The school serves children of poverty and orphans as well as paying families.


I am eager for a wonderful adventure where I anticipate returning with many photos, artifacts, and life-affirming stories.  You can play a meaningful part in this vision by contributing to my travel to Tanzania, room and board, as well as school and orphanage tours that I will be participating in as part of my visit.   


Thank you for taking the time to read my webpage.  I am grateful and appreciative of your support!


Peace,

Rosie
  • Usa River, Tanzania

Updates

1

  • Thank You!!!


    Thank you to all those who have encouraged me in pursuing this adventure.  Your generousity and excitement for my upcoming trip is overwhelming.  Please send me your address, so that I can send you a postcard from Tanzania!  You can privately message me on FB or email me your address at rosemariebushbaum@yahoo.com.

    Love,
    Rosie