The Broederstroom and Sergoit Schools

Shared by Henry Kibiwott Chebii in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group.

Broederstroom School was at Plateau.

These schools were built by Afrikaner settlers who had moved to Kenya and wanted their children to receive a proper education. At the center of this effort was Dominee Loubser, a church leader with a clear vision. He believed that education should be guided by faith and rooted in the values of the Afrikaner community. He wanted children to learn not only reading and writing but also their language, Afrikaans, and their spiritual beliefs.

Broederstroom School was one of the first schools to be established. In the beginning, it shared space with a church known as the Bamboo Church. This simple building served both spiritual and educational needs. As more families settled in the area and the number of students grew, the need for more space became clear. A boarding house was built to help children who lived far away attend school. For many parents, this was a great relief. Daily transport was difficult, and the boarding house gave their children a safe place to stay during the school term.

The school started with only a few teachers, but they were deeply committed to their work. One of the most respected was Eerwaarde W Wentzel, who arrived in February 1919. He taught classes and also helped with church duties alongside Dominee de Wet. His leadership and dedication made him a key figure in the community.

By the 1920s, Broederstroom had grown. It now had two classrooms, a proper boarding house, and another small house that was later turned into bedrooms for boys. There was also a two-room house called Bethel, which served as Dominee Loubser’s home and sometimes housed single school principals. Married principals and their spouses lived in the boarding house and helped care for the students.

The teachers at Broederstroom were more than just educators. They were mentors, disciplinarians, and community leaders. One of the most memorable was Mr Wolmarans, fondly known as Oom Wolfie. He became principal in 1929 and was known for his firm but fair approach. Corporal punishment was common at the time, and while he used it, students respected him for his consistency and care.

Another teacher, Miss Malan, was skilled but sometimes showed favoritism, which caused tension among students. One incident stood out. When her class performed poorly in history, she sent them out until they apologized. Two boys, Herman Steyn and his cousin Herman Steyn Murphey, decided to leave school that day. But their mother did not accept that their school days were over, and they had to return and face the consequences.

Mr Wolmarans also played a big role outside the classroom. He organized a fundraising play called Die drie Van der Walts, which was performed in different places to raise money for building a community hall at Plateau. This event brought people together and showed how the school was at the heart of community development.

Not far from Broederstroom, another school was built. Sergoit School was also started under the leadership of Dominee Loubser. The first teacher was Miss Freda Keese, who was known for her musical talents. She taught singing and led choirs, bringing joy and creativity into the classroom.

Later, Eerwaarde Steyn took over as both teacher and principal. He was not only an educator but also a spiritual guide. He started a Christian Student Association that organized discussions, debates, and even target shooting activities. These events helped students bond and gave them a sense of purpose and pride.

Sergoit School was located on Piet Jordaan’s farm, which made it easier for children in the area to attend. Eerwaarde Steyn’s salary was partly paid by the government and partly by parents, showing how committed the community was to supporting education.

Building and running these schools was not easy. The Afrikaner settlers faced many difficulties, including limited resources, tough weather, and long distances between farms. But they did not give up. They believed strongly in the value of education and worked together to make it happen.

Parents contributed money, teachers went beyond their duties, and the church provided guidance and support. The schools became more than just places to learn. They were symbols of hope, unity, and cultural pride.

Today, the story of Broederstroom and Sergoit schools is a powerful chapter in Kenya’s educational history. These schools helped preserve the Afrikaner language and culture while also giving children the tools they needed to succeed in life. The efforts of Dominee Loubser, Mr Wolmarans, Miss Keese, and many others remind us of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.

Their legacy continues to inspire. It shows that education is not just about books and exams. It is about building character, strengthening communities, and passing on values from one generation to the next.

The journey of Broederstroom and Sergoit schools is a story of resilience, faith, and determination. The Afrikaner settlers in Uasin Gishu believed in the power of education and worked hard to make it accessible to their children. Through the leadership of Dominee Loubser and the dedication of teachers and parents, they built schools that shaped lives and strengthened their community.

As we look to the future, it is important to remember and honor this legacy. These schools remind us that with vision, unity, and hard work, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome. And most importantly, they show that education, when rooted in culture and community, can truly transform lives.

First shared in The Wonders of Sergoit Hills Facebook group. Broederstroom School stood at Plateau, and Sergoit School on Piet Jordaan’s farm. See also Settler History.