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ShareAndre Roberfroid, president of the Association Montessori International, speaks to Anita Aikara
What made you decide to host the Montessori Congress in India?
This is the first time we are hosting a Congress in India. The last congress was in China. India is an emerging market, especially when it concerns education and we hope that an Indian Montessori Congress will draw the attention of other Southeast Asian countries to the Montessori style.
Will this result in more Montessori training institutes in the country?
We are hoping to increase the number of training institutes and trainers in India as that will help increase the number of Montessori schools.
What makes a Montessori different?
Unlike in regular kindergarten schools, which emphasise on learning by rote, the Montessori Method aims to help children become self-sufficient, and allows them to be more creative.
Why should a parent choose a Montessori?
Indian parents have started placing a lot of emphasis on education, and don't mind spending on education, especially during the formative years.
There are only about 15 Montessori schools in Mumbai. Why?
The Montessori style hasn't picked up because we lack trainers. It usually takes around 10 years for a person to graduate as a trainer, and in India few people are willing to put in so many years.
How do you plan to tap the potential of the Mumbai market?
We plan to get public schools in India to accept this style of education. We have begun talks with schools and are trying to convince them to adopt the Montessori style.
