Photo: U. Picot

In an idyllic setting in the country, yet not far from central Strassburg, you will find a large round table on short legs, with 18 miniature chairs surrounding it. Children aged between three months and four years take their places, from Monday to Friday, in the eat-in kitchen of the nursery school going by the fitting name of “The Little Round Table”. This is where they enjoy their meals, guided by six motivated educational specialists. Freshly prepared by the in-house cook, the homely culinary aromas also make for a pleasant atmosphere in the adjoining rooms of the Waldorf-focused initiative. Already when the staircase is flooded by the morning light, a feeling of being welcome pervades the air. The walls, painted in bright colors, as well as the furnishings and equipment with natural materials add to the nursery school children feeling safe in this environment, and being able to develop their natural senses.

The former detached house dating from 1955 was, however, not always presented in such an inviting way. Only two years ago, following the purchase of the premises, which had previously been leased, the two-story residential building was entirely refurbished. The Association, which originated from a parents’ initiative back in 1998, took matters in its own hands, to achieve this. An independent circle of builders, consisting of fathers with specialist knowledge, formed. Literally everyone - right up to the smallest child - joined in the work. This paved the way for implementing the conversion of the dated building, that was urgently needed, within just three months. “This major commitment by the parents”, emphasizes Elke Rahmann of Software AG Stiftung – A Foundation, which helped to make the renovation works possible financially, “reflects the close bond of solidarity with the institution, and is an integral part of the educational partnership which has succeeded at the small round table.”