Maria Montessori and an Education for Peace

Over 100 years ago, Dr Maria Montessori, using her medical practice and clinical observations concluded that children build themselves from what they find in their environment: children teach themselves. She was able to deduce that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn, without the need for reward or punishment and without constant adult intervention.

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.””

Her legacy is a unique and evidence based method of education, materials with which to educate, and a system of training that produces teachers who can give children the best possible foundation for life.

Montessori saw the value in developing the whole child. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of social responsibility towards the community and environment, as well as a moral responsibility. They come to see themselves as part of a much bigger picture, one to which they ought to contribute constructively.

In this way, Montessori believed that education had a role to play in the development of world peace. She felt that children allowed to develop according to their inner laws of development would give rise to a more peaceful and enduring civilization.