Legacy - Capacity - Outreach

The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 by Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her life’s work and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death. AMI is the recognised international authority for Montessori education. During its long history AMI has fostered the growth and development of Montessori programmes and teacher training, along with supporting the development and education of children and young adults in a vast variety of settings throughout the world.

AMI is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (since 1985) and a NGO in operational relations with UNESCO (since 1962).

The Mission

The mission of the Association Montessori Internationale is to support the natural development of human beings from birth to maturity, enabling children to become transforming elements of society, leading to a harmonious and peaceful world.

AMI achieves this mission through its:

Legacy
The Study of Childhood

AMI has a unique role as the custodian of the history of the Montessori movement, maintaining the integrity of Maria Montessori’s legacy. In this role AMI is responsible for articulating the Montessori philosophy and practice clearly in order to meet the needs of children and influence educational paradigms in a rapidly changing world.

Capacity
Montessori Education for All Children

AMI seeks to increase its capacity to serve children around the world by increasing access to AMI training, supporting the professional development of Montessori teachers, providing a comprehensive support system for Montessori schools and programmes, offering tools for the implementation of research and growing our human, financial and technological resources.

Outreach
Montessori Education for Social Change

AMI strives to promote the rights of the child throughout the world irrespective of race, religion, political and social beliefs, in cooperation with other bodies and organisations that further the development of education, human rights and peace. The vision is to support educational initiatives through mentorship, resources and/or funding that focuses on sustainability, expansion and replication of successful projects. When Montessori principles are applied in the wider context of society, their possibilities are vast and all encompassing.