(Please sign the Montessori Centenary Declaration)

In 2007 the world Montessori community celebrates the 100th anniversary of a revolution in education.

100 years ago Dr Maria Montessori began to explore the true nature of childhood through extensive scientific observation. We proudly recognize a century of great work, inspired by these discoveries:

• the purpose of education is to nurture the energies of childhood – intellectual, physical, emotional, moral and spiritual – so that every member of the human race can make a constructive contribution to the world
• all children deserve the best possible conditions at every stage of their development
• all children, in the best educational conditions develop creative and flexible minds easily adapted to the complexities of human society
• all children, in the best educational conditions demonstrate innate discipline, joyful and focused work and empathy with others. They are tireless and selfless in their work
• all children possess inner directives to guide their own development
• all children fully developed become individuals committed to human solidarity, social progress and peace

We declare our commitment now and in the future:

• to participate in a universal social movement that places children at the centre of society, recognizing them as citizens of the world
• to promote knowledge and understanding of the conditions necessary for the full development of the human being from conception to maturity both at home and in society
• to create a climate of opinion and opportunities for the full development of the potential of all young people so that humanity may work in harmony for a higher and more peaceful civilization
• Montessori to reform education as a reciprocal, lifelong process in which every member of the human race is profoundly engaged

(Please sign the Montessori Centenary Declaration)