Date: December 11-15, 2025
Venue: Mana Pools Resort, Harare, Zimbabwe
Hosts: African Montessori Hub

Unlocking the Power of Play: Investing in Curiosity and Creativity for a Bright Future

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Background

Play, curiosity, and creativity are essential drivers of children’s learning and development. Montessori education, with its child-centered approach, places these elements at the core of its methodology, empowering children to become independent, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. In Africa, where diverse educational challenges and opportunities exist, the Montessori approach offers a powerful framework for transforming learning environments and fostering innovation. This first-of-its-kind Africa Montessori Summit is a celebration of innovation in education through the lens of Montessori philosophy and its potential to revolutionize education in Africa. It will also be a platform to showcase other forward-thinking approaches in education that are driving the achievement of SDG4 in the region. It will convene learners, teachers, Montessori guides, Montessori parents, funders, policymakers, government representatives, NGOs, and other stakeholders to explore the role of Montessori education in shaping a bright, fun-filled future for Africa’s children.

Conference Objectives?

Advocate for Montessori principles as a complementary and innovative approach to existing educational systems in Africa.

Create a platform for dialogue and partnerships among educators, policymakers, and NGOs to advance innovation in education across the continent.

Highlight success stories, research, and innovative practices in Montessori education and beyond.

Honor individuals and organizations making notable contributions to Montessori education in Africa.

Conference attendees
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Expected Outcomes

Increased awareness among policymakers and stakeholders of the potential of Montessori education to address Africa's educational challenges.

Strengthened networks and collaborations among educators, NGOs, and government representatives to scale Montessori practices.

A collection of actionable ideas, research findings, and innovations to inform future efforts in Montessori education in Africa.

Celebration and recognition of pioneers and contributors to Montessori education on the continent.

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Target Participants

Montessori educators and guides.

Learners and parents engaged in Montessori education.

Education policymakers and government officials.

NGOs and organizations involved in child education and development.

Researchers, students, and innovators in the education sector.

Event Schedule

Day 1: Leadership Day
Target Audience:

Government representatives, education policymakers, NGOs, and school leaders.

Features:
  • Keynote Address: The Transformative Power of Montessori Education for Africa's Future.
  • Launch of Research Outputs: AMH Researchers
  • Roundtable Dialogue: Collaborative session with government representatives to explore policies supporting Montessori adoption and integration.
  • Networking Dinner: Opportunities for stakeholders to connect.
Format:
  1. Arrival and registration
  2. Opening performance (school play/African dance group)
  3. Welcome remarks and introductions (Mako)
  4. Welcome Speech - The Transformative Power of Montessori Education for Africa's Future (Fatenda)
  5. Poetry performance / video screening relevant to the theme of 'the power of play in African education'
  6. Keynote from Govt Representative
  7. Keynote from Keynote Speaker 1
  8. Q&A
  9. BREAK
  10. Roundtable Dialogue - Blending Montessori with National Curricula: A Pathway to Innovation
  11. Research Outputs Presentation - Dr Mahere and Prof Hapanyengwi
  12. LUNCH
  13. People break for lunch and go prepare for the Networking Dinner
Day 2: Learning Day
Target Audience:

Montessori guides, teachers, researchers, and learners.

Features:
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions focused on Montessori materials, child development, and classroom management.
  • Marketplace of Ideas: Exhibition booths featuring Montessori materials, resources, and innovations in education.
  • Innovation Research Lab: session showcasing studies on innovation in education in Africa and globally.
Workshop Topics:

A cornucopia of 3-4 workshops offering distinct topics that will explore different topics of interest:

  1. A topic on play and child development
  2. A topic on the deeper meanings of the Montessori materials
  3. A topic on protecting children in play spaces
  4. A topic on innovation in education
Exhibition:

Bippers Exhibits and other exhibitors showcasing Montessori materials, resources, and innovations in education.

Day 3: Day-Dreaming Day
Target Audience:

All participants, with a focus on celebrating success and envisioning the future.

Features:
  • TED-Style Talks: Inspiring presentations from African and global leaders, educators, and innovators.
  • Brainstorming Session: Collaborative ideation on scaling Montessori education and addressing challenges in implementation.
  • Awards Ceremony: Recognizing individuals, schools, and organizations for their contributions to Montessori education in Africa.
  • Closing Session: The Future of Montessori in Africa: Collective Vision and Commitment
Speakers:

Proposed speakers include Nicole Bergeron, Dr Ayize, Vee Kativhu and others who will share inspiring presentations on Montessori education and its impact.

Collaborative Session:

A co-creation session for the most pressing challenges teachers are facing, with a focus on developing actionable solutions and future initiatives.

Get In Touch

54 Marlborough Dr Harare,Zimbabwe

+263711392327

+13039017419

info@africanmontessorihub.org

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