“Rungano” means storytelling, and in its name lives a powerful truth: that every child is born into a community rich with wisdom, history, culture, and curiosity. From their earliest days, children learn not just through textbooks or classrooms, but from the voices that surround them — parents, siblings, and neighbors — who become their first storytellers and teachers. These human exchanges are more than traditions; they are the first technologies of learning, forming the foundation for lifelong inquiry and discovery.
Rungano: Montessori on Wheels is our response to a bold question: What if school met children where they are? What if education were not confined to a static, brick-and-mortar space but instead came alive in motion, rooted in community, driven by cultural resonance, and powered by access?
After founding FlameLily Montessori, I witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional school structures, particularly for communities of color in Denver and Aurora, where transportation barriers alone can significantly limit a child’s access to high-quality learning. A mobile Montessori environment disrupts that norm. With Rungano, the classroom extends into neighborhoods where schools have long been out of reach, bringing not just materials and lessons, but also joy, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
"Rungano is a movement on wheels."
More than a bus, Rungano is a bridge, connecting Montessori pedagogy with African indigenous knowledge systems and storytelling practices. It’s an invitation for parents, grandparents, and community members to become co-educators, shaping learning with cultural relevance and love. It transforms skepticism into curiosity, and curiosity into advocacy.
And because mobility comes with flexibility, Rungano is more sustainable. It frees us from costly infrastructure and rigid systems, allowing us to adapt, partner, and listen to the needs of the communities we serve. Our goal isn’t to replace existing community programs, but to complement them, weaving our efforts into the sacred spaces already nurturing our children.
We know there’s misinformation around Montessori in BIPOC communities. However, we also recognize the power of persistence, relationships, and small actions that can lead to significant change. Like Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point, we believe that one well-placed story, one powerful connection, one joyful moment of learning can ignite a movement.
Rungano is a movement on wheels. It’s our radical hope on the road. And it is our promise—to children, to families, and ourselves, that we will continue to show up, tell our stories, and make education not just accessible, but transformative.