The Montessori method is still current after over a century and can serve as an example for our schools. The topic was the subject of a conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) with educators from a number of countries.
MFA Secretary General Giampiero Massolo opened the Conference by lauding an educational method that encourages children “to develop their sense of self”. He reminded those present that the MFA was Italy’s first government department to open its own nursery school, whose teachers adopt the Montessori method. He described the school as “a well organised structure that families can rely on”. Since 1978 the school has taken in 1500 of our employees’ children and has created “a sense of belonging”.
Under-Secretary for Education Marco Rossi Doria described the pillars of the Montessori method. “Early-years education in a healthy, welcoming and open environment; a sense of community with opportunities to experiment with new teaching methods; and a strong link between the cognitive dimension and relationships and feelings. […] Our schools can learn a lot from the teaching of this brave but often criticised woman”, he added.
The Conference was promoted by the National Association of Non-State Education Institutions (ANINSEI), part of Confindustria, with the collaboration of Roma Tre University and the Seraphicum Educational Complex.
Speakers included Gudula Meisterjahn-Knebel, President of the Montessori-Europe Association, Clara Tornar, from Università Roma Tre, and Eva-Maria Ahlquist, from the University of Stockholm.
