Ninety international Montessori trainers, in Chennai for a meeting hosted by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), recently visited the historic Olcott Bungalow at The Theosophical Society’s (TS) International Headquarters in Adyar.
The Bungalow holds immense significance for the movement, as it was the residence of Dr. Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, during their time working in India.
The site now operates as a knowledge centre and training hub under the Adyar Eco Development (AED) project, a collaboration between the TS and Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants focusing on ecology and nature education.
Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director of AMI, Netherlands, highlighted the visit’s emotional resonance, saying it was meaningful for the trainers to connect with the place where Montessori once lived.
The delegates also toured the nearby Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School and the AED’s new Blue Green Centre for environmental education. The visit successfully reconnected the global Montessori Movement with its roots at the TS, paving the way for future educational collaboration.Schools and organisations interested in visiting the AED project may contact [email protected] for more information.
