How it all started
Montessori for Lebanon (The Montessori Society for Education and Development) was founded in 2020 by a group of Lebanese mothers who shared the conviction and hope that authentic Montessori education offers a wholesome path forward for their country.
Since then, the initiative has grown to include several Lebanese AMI diploma holders striving to initiate conversations where parents and educators walk hand in hand, following the child, towards building more compassionate and cohesive communities.
Our hope is to inspire others to recognize the often-overlooked potential of children and to answer the urgent call to restore dignity to our world.
What we believe in
In line with the vision of Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Montessori for Lebanon intends to support the natural development of human beings from birth to maturity, enabling them to become transforming agents in their society, and leading to a more harmonious and peaceful world.
We seek to bring quality Montessori education and support to children and young adults in Lebanon in order to build and nurture environments of peace and collaboration, in an effort to counter the effects of war and the current crises. It is our experience that education is an aid to life, and that the culture that respects children’s fundamental rights, as well as their natural developmental needs, is a catalyst for both individual and social growth.
Our work is threefold:
- Providing support for parents and carers;
- Linking interested educators to quality AMI training;
- Granting AMI accreditation to authentic Montessori schools.
We aim:
- To defend the rights of all children as stated in the UNCRC, in particular children in at-risk communities;
- To serve the educational needs of the community by setting up self-sustainable educational ecosystems that further human development;
- To empower and equip parents as they care for their children;
- To raise awareness, through the Montessori approach, of the dignity of each individual from birth to death;
- To set up an educational support network providing continuous training and mentorship.
Meet Dr. Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori was a pioneering Italian medical doctor, anthropologist, and educator whose work reshaped the global understanding of childhood. Born in 1870, she was one of the first women to graduate from medical school in Italy, a remarkable achievement that laid the groundwork for her scientific and compassionate approach to education.
Through her careful observations of children from different backgrounds and abilities, she discovered that when given freedom in a thoughtfully prepared environment, children engage deeply in their work, develop independence, and flourish socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Her discoveries led to the creation of the Montessori Method: an approach that honours the natural developmental rhythms of children and fosters lifelong learning, curiosity, and peace.
Maria Montessori’s work quickly spread throughout the world. During World War II, she spent several years in India, where she trained hundreds of teachers and deepened her educational approach. Her time in India profoundly influenced her later work, especially her vision for adolescent education and education as a pathway to peace.
Today, the Montessori movement spans the globe and continues to grow. AMI, founded by Maria Montessori herself in 1929, upholds the integrity of her vision. Montessori for Lebanon is proud to be affiliated with AMI, bringing this timeless, research-based approach to families, educators, and communities throughout Lebanon.
AMI, the Golden Standard for the Montessori Approach
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori, stands as the recognized global authority for the Montessori approach. Its mission is to ensure the integrity of Montessori principles across various domains – education, humanitarian efforts, research, and the broader societal and physical environments. AMI serves as a vital network, building upon Montessori’s vision while maintaining its authenticity. The association was born out of the need to address the growing concern over unqualified trainers in the field, ensuring that Montessori’s methodology is passed on through highly trained, well-supported professionals. Today, AMI continues to uphold its founding values, offering essential resources and training for those committed to creating environments that nurture and respect the potential of every child.
AMI’s commitment to maintaining high standards of Montessori education led to the establishment of affiliated societies around the world. These societies are local partners who operate under the guidance of AMI, ensuring that Montessori principles are applied consistently and effectively within their regions. They are responsible for offering accredited teacher training, providing resources, facilitating professional development, and advocating for Montessori education in their respective communities. Through these societies, AMI ensures that Montessori education remains accessible and relevant, while preserving its core philosophy.
Montessori for Lebanon’s affiliation with AMI ensures that our work aligns with global standards while addressing the unique needs of our local context. Through this partnership, we are able to connect with a global community of educators dedicated to transforming the educational landscape and fostering a more compassionate and cohesive future.
“Among AMI’s most important tasks are first of all, to maintain the vitality of the method and to contribute on a continuing basis, now and in the future, to the growing universal awareness of the needs of the child, thereby actively participating in the development of highly conscious responsible men and women.”
Renilde Montessori, On AMI’s 50th anniversary in 1979
EsF, the outreach pillar of AMI
Educateurs sans Frontières (EsF) is a division of AMI. Its mission is to work with individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments to further the rights, education, and welfare of children worldwide. EsF was founded by Renilde Montessori, the youngest granddaughter of Maria Montessori. A Montessori pedagogue in her own right, Renilde always pleaded strongly for the integrity of the approach, and inspired the Montessori movement to reconnect to its roots in San Lorenzo (Italy) and be re-energised by the ideals of forming part of a true movement that advocates for all children, in any situation. This idea she coined “Educateurs sans Frontières”, a commitment to transcending borders in order to serve children through innovative education initiatives using Montessori principles and practices.
