We strongly encourage you to make plans to stay at the school compound during language study. Even though there is limited space at the school compound, it is highly unlikely that you will have nowhere to stay once accepted because the school has an extra cottage in a safe location nearby.

The SSLC offices and residential classrooms are located at Tigoni, Ithanji Road. Most learners stay in furnished cottages. Rent and utilities range from approximately KSH 30,000 to 40,000 per month. A housing deposit of KSH 25,000 is required. The same will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less any damages. Make that cheque payable to Shade School of Language and Culture.

All cottages are fully-furnished, including linens and kitchen implements like cookware, cutlery, flatware, glassware, hand mixer, etc. You will likely have metric measuring cups and spoons, but you will be provided with a conversion chart if you are not familiar with the system.

Laundry service is available through the SSLC at about US$ 1.33 per load for washing and $2.00 per load for drying. Some people hire someone to wash their clothes by hand. Plastic clothes hangers are available here at about US$ 0.33 each.

Schooling for missionary kids (MKs) is a major concern for parents coming to the SSLC for Swahili study. Fortunately, there are two very good options for education from kindergarten through 12th grade, in a Christian environment in the Limuru area, some 12 kilometers away from Limuru. You will need to bring copies of records from your children's previous schools as well as official copies of birth certificates (these will also be needed for dependents' passes).

Rosslyn Academy--a day school (as opposed to boarding) for kindergarten through 12th grade, owned and operated by the International Mission Board, the Mennonites, and the Assemblies of God--is a possibility if you have school-aged children. The school uses an American curriculum and employs primarily American and Canadian teachers. You will need to apply as early as possible as the demand for places is high and priority is given to MKs of the owner missions.

Rift Valley Academy (RVA)--a boarding school for 1st-12th graders. Space is even more limited than at Rosslyn Academy and you should apply at least four months ahead (a year or more in advance is not too early).

There are experienced persons available for employment for both child care and house help.

Home schooling is strongly discouraged while you are in language study. Swahili study is a full-time job for both parents, and Rosslyn Academy and RVA provide a well-balanced education with a Christian philosophy, emphasis, and teachers. What often happens with families who try to home school and learn Swahili is that the wife quits her Swahili
studies.