Lynne shared Renilde Montessori's inspirational words for the establishment of Educateurs sans Frontières and tasked groups to continue to identify the key elements of work of EsF and planning for the future. A renewed sense of energy and focus was evident in the groups as they grappled with the way forward for EsF.
Jim Ackers, Regional Education Advisor for UNICEF, discussed global partnerships and alliances and the work currently being done in the region. André Roberfroid shared from his involvement with UNICEF and his ongoing ambassadorial work and participants engaged in lively questioning. Kannekar Butt shared the Thai perspective on regional and global partnerships.
Mary Caroline Parker presented the Bachman Lake story and showed the gathering why social education projects are the core work of EsF. The Montessori based project began in 2008 and has grown to include youth work, housing, immigrant services, education, health services, including dental and mental health, mentoring, leadership training, and AMI training. Partnerships and rigorous assessment are crucial. Being open to community needs is integral to the success of these projects.
Kathleen Guinan's passion shone through her presentation on Crossway Community. Montessori education is contextualised through this multi-generational, asset based, family support project. 19 different languages are spoken in this community, located on 4 acres where the original building was a converted school. Organic gardens provide organic produce and sustainable summer projects include gardening. Family support is provided in all health areas and 3 generational charts are used to add to the richness of information used to empower community members. Social entrepreneurship has resulted from projects run from the demonstration kitchen. Montessori is used to successfully break the poverty cycle and a full 0-9 Montessori programme has been implemented.
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