Date: 15 July 2005

Montessori Children's Foundation Launch Dinner

During the 25th International Montessori Congress, which was held in Sydney last July, the Montessori Children's Foundation (MCF) was launched at a fund raising dinner.  Montessorians, parents and Congress delegates attended what was a highly successful night.

The dinner was held at the prestigious Sofitel Wentworth Hotel where guests were entertained by string quartet while sipping pre-dinner drinks. A didgeridoo player then heralded the commencement of the dinner.  The décor of the dining room was elegant and sophisticated.  The meal was delicious and the company delightful. Nancy Milne, Chairperson of the Foundation welcomed us with warm words.  André Roberfroid, AMI President and Renilde Montessori, were the special guest speakers for the night.  It was an honour to be at the launch of this foundation.  It was a night of celebration for the Montessori work that has already begun with indigenous children and it was a night of hope for the future. 

Those who attended the dinner had the privilege of seeing, for the first time ever, the recently made DVD titled, “Montessori and Indigenous People: We Share our Dreams.”  This DVD was a joint venture between AAAA and NAMTA.  Nearly all who work with indigenous children in the Montessori programmes featured in the DVD, were present at the dinner and stayed afterwards to talk with guests about the work they are doing.  It was a moving experience to watch this wonderfully informative DVD with those people who are already doing so much in the field to help our indigenous children.

The MCF was established to support Montessori programmes in remote and indigenous communities, raise money for and administer a Montessori Scholarship Fund, facilitate projects that support parents, families and communities in their task of nurturing young children, raise funds to establish and support a Montessori Institute and Research Centre and actively seek to champion the cause of all children through advocacy and by increasing public awareness.

There are already Montessori projects in Redfern (Sydney), Woorabinda (outside Rockhampton) and in Cairns West. Armidale and areas of western Cape York are working on proposals for Montessori projects.  Each established project is being run by trained Montessori teachers whose dedication and determination is truly making a difference in the lives of the indigenous children with whom they work.

Wadja Wadja High School, in Woorabinda, is the only independent indigenous high school in Australia.  Jennifer and Joel Rioux are applying the universal Montessori principles with the young adolescents they work with at Wadja Wadja.

Barbara Stephens, who directs the Gamarada Playgroup in Redfern, works with children from birth to six years of age.  The Gamarada Playgroup commenced in 1998.

A Montessori preschool pilot programme was established at Cairns West State School five years ago.  It began thanks to the hard work of Ardyn Masterman, who has been working to bring Montessori education to the indigenous communities of Cape York since 1989. 

The Board of the Montessori Children’s Foundation is chaired by Nancy Milne, one of Australia’s leading insurance lawyers. Directors of the Board are:

Bruce Clarke – Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Michael Harrison – Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Amy Kirkham – AMI Auxiliary Trainer, AAAA Board Member

Maria MacNamara – Marketing Consultant

Pamela Nunn – AMI Auxiliary Trainer, AAAA Board Member

Megan Tyne – AAAA and AMTEF Board Member

The MCF is fortunate to have as its advisor, David Kahn.  David, who is in his 30th year as Executive Director of NAMTA, is a frequent visitor and consultant to Australian Montessori projects. His guidance has been invaluable in the establishment of this Foundation and in supporting Montessori Indigenous projects.  David also played a key role in the production of “We Share our Dreams” shown at the Launch Dinner (and on Sunday at the Congress).

Of great significance in Australia’s Montessori history, is the obtaining of charitable status for the Foundation.  This is a huge step forward for Montessori in this country.  Charitable status means that donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and the Foundation can become earnest players in the fundraising arena throughout Australia.