We are very proud to organise the 28^th International Montessori Congress in 2017, the most prestigious event in our Montessori community. This is the first time in history that the four-yearly Congress will be coming to the Czech Republic.

The theme of the congress is Pathway to Peace: Montessori Education for Social Change.

Education, in all its aspects and approaches, is a big issue nowadays in the Czech Republic. The Czech government is preparing a reform of the Czech school system in an effort to dramatically reduce social inequality.

Experts and media in the Czech Republic passionately discuss inclusive education, prompted by criticism from the European Commission because of discrimination against Romany students. Politics is trying to remedy the situation and is willing to create an atmosphere where Romany children do have access to adequate education.

But it is not only Romany children who need help. Our society is facing a human tragedy of ever increasing numbers of refugees. There are thousands of refugee children all over Europe, who are on the run from war, and who will need to be educated and need our help.

We believe that the Montessori method and its principles could be helpful and that is why we would like discuss all these topics at the upcoming congress.

Education has always played a crucial role in Czech national history. Jan Amos Komensky, the Czech philosopher, pedagogue and theologist, who is considered to be the father of modern education, was born in Moravia, formerly a region of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown and today part of the Czech Republic. In his work we can find many thoughts and concepts similar to thouse of Maria Montessori.

In 1774 Empress Maria Theresa introduced mandatory primary education in the Habsburg Monarchy. A big step for further reforms. A number of them were introduced to respond to current challenges (results of Czech pupils and students in international surveys, labour market needs, demography etc.).

We believe in progress, we would like to help children to get the best possible education.

To find a Pathway to Peace and attain Social Change may be a challenging mission, but together we can succeed.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Prague in 2017.