Impressions of "The Child as Builder of Humanity" Sydney, Australia-September 2003

Patricia Wallner wrote a glowing report on the Lead-in Conference “The Child as Builder of Humanity” that was held in Sydney, Australia—September 2003. Share some of her remarks here and start getting reading for the big event in 2005: the 25th International Montessori Congresss, also to take place in Sydney.

"Imagine a beautiful city, a Darling Harbour city, fingers of land interlaced with water sparkling in the sun and one of the most famous buildings in the world arching whitely into the blue sky. (…) Picture a convention centre with walls of glass, its main hall lined with displays of books, art supplies, and Montessori materials presented by old friends like Nienhuis and Gonzagarredi."

Imagine arriving at this centre and being met in the parking lot by a smiling hospitality volunteer sporting a bright pink scarf who escorted us into the elevator and rode up with us to be sure we had no problems finding the registration table and our personalised satchels containing the conference information.

(…) Meanwhile, the 2005 International Montessori Congress in Sydney is now being planned and prepared for with enthusiasm (…) The women and men who planned this forerunner to the Congress did a superb job. Thank you to the Australian AMI Alumni Association and the Montessori Association of New Zealand Inc.

…I urge you all, save either your dollars, euros, yen, pesos or all of these currencies and start planning for July 2005. If the conference this past September is any indication, the 25th International Montessori Congress will be an experience none of us should miss!