International Montessori Congress

Congress

The aim of the Congress was to reinvigorate the Montessori movement restoring it to its original dimensions, that of a social movement, intended to champion the cause of all children, in all strata of society, of all races and ethnic backgrounds, within and beyond educational institutions. The following declaration was read and affirmed at the conclusion of the Congress:

The 25th International Montessori Congress has breathed a new spirit and a new energy into the Montessori Movement.

In Australia, the land of the “Dreaming” and the “Spirit Child”, we have come together from 36 countries and 6 continents and dared to dream our Montessori dream of

championing the cause of all children, in all strata of society, of all races and ethnic backgrounds, within and beyond the educational institutions.

We stand together to believe in and support this mission.

Let us now translate our Montessori dreams to actions - because

“a great reform can only be accomplished through actions.”

Let us declare a call for action and with a new resolve, work together on behalf of children everywhere. Keeping in mind the ideas discussed at this conference, let us vow to act sooner rather than later, because the lives of the children today, in both rich nations and poor, are in a state of crisis.

Congress organisers were also honoured to receive the following message from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand:

"As the Goodwill Ambassador for the Empowerment of Minority Children through Education and the Preservation of their Intangible Cultural Heritage to UNESCO I am very happy to congratulate the Delegates and Organizers of the 25th International Montessori Congress on the success of this event for the benefit of children of the world and wish all delegates the determination and strength to carry further the theme of the Congress to "Champion the Cause of all Children" without respect for race, place or religion."

Click here to find out more about UNESCO, and H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, UNESCO Goodwil Ambassador.

An Art Raffle and Silent Auction was held throughout the Congress. Proceeds went to support Montessori projects in Thailand and Indigenous communities in Australia.

View Governor's Opening

View AMI Welcome

View Children's Welcome