AMI Montessori Training in Guatemala!!

MTCNE has actively been involved in creating satellite AMI training locations since 2015 with our first extension in New Haven, CT. Since then MTCNE has traveled the USA and internationally to deliver courses in 15 diverse cities in eight different countries. One of our most recent successful endeavors has occurred in Guatemala. Partnering with Antigua Montessori School, MTCNE Auxiliary Trainer, Veronica Burbano, conducted an inaugural AMI combined 3-6 Orientation and Adjunct Assistants Course through a blended format using online synchronous and asynchronous lectures and a week long live delivery in Antigua, Guatemala. Veronica, born in Ecuador, was able to deliver the course in her first language, Spanish. This groundbreaking initiative introduced the Montessori Method to 23 students in Antigua, representing diverse backgrounds. Among them were students from well-known private institutions like Antigua Montessori School and Colegio Internacional Montessori, as well as representatives from two non-profit organizations, UPAVIM and Xela Aid. 

UPAVIM, located in a challenging area marked by gang violence, is dedicated to providing Montessori-inspired education to underserved communities. Two UPAVIM teachers who attended the course expressed their profound gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained. Veronica is a board member of UPAVIM and had the privilege of visiting their school in Guatemala City during her stay. She was inspired by witnessing their unwavering commitment to creating nurturing environments for holistic student development, despite facing resource constraints. Equally inspiring was the participation of teachers from Xela Aid, serving indigenous communities facing significant socio-economic challenges. Their dedication to implementing the Montessori method, including children with significant disabilities, is truly commendable.  

This AMI certificated course was the first of its kind in Guatemala.  MTCNE provided the course to Central American residents at a reduced rate to make the course more accessible and some local organizations, such as those mentioned above, provided scholarship funding to increase accessibility for economically challenged individuals. Our collective goal is to continue offering AMI courses in Guatemala, contributing to the expansion of Montessori education in the Central American region over the years to come. Currently we are seeking funding sources to support students in a 3-6 AMI diploma course to take place in Guatemala.  If you or someone you know may have interest in financially supporting this initiative please contact Tim Nee, MTCNE Director of Satellite Programs at tnee@crec.org.  

MTCNE is committed to its work as a lead in AMI satellite projects while it continues to offer high quality trainings for all age levels at our home location in Bloomfield, Connecticut, USA. To learn more about our work and offerings visit www.mtcne.org .