Happy belated new year! We are glad to welcome back all our
readers. The year began with an exciting breath taking trip to Mae sarian
District and further to the Mae Ra Moe refugee camp with a mission to provide
basic Montessori training to the Karen Women Organization (KWO) pre-school
teachers at the camp. On our way we were greeted with scenic sites, curvy
roads, mountains, rivers and bridges etc. After our long bumpy and dusty
journey we finally arrived at the camp security where we were advised to
register our names before allowed to proceed.
 |
| Mae Ra Moe refugee camp journey |
 |
| At the camp |
Next we ventured out to explore the camp and met with our
translator who showed us various pre- schools at the camp. We visited many rooms serving as classrooms
though our attention was drawn to the largest KWO nursery classroom with over
150 children. The children had just finished having their lunch and were
prepared for a 3 hour afternoon nap. At this time we had an opportunity to talk
with 11 teachers who were busy watching after the children and we quickly
realized the teachers needed skills to maintain a calm and peaceful classroom.
 |
| KWO nursery - nap time! |
The following day we gathered together at one of the KWO
classrooms which appeared to be well organized with a number of Montessori
materials made and acquired by Paw Gay Htoo (KWO Education Manager) who had earlier
attended one of the basic Montessori trainings in Chiang rai. Paw seemed quite
passionate on the Montessori education approach and she has been keen to see
the teachers understood and accept that each child is special, unique
individual and beautiful gift entrusted into their care
Soon we began the training which was attended by 30 Karen state
teachers. We focused on the Montessori classroom management, observation,
lesson planning and record keeping, materials presentation and making among
other interesting topics as requested earlier by the teachers.
Throughout the entire training period the teachers remained
enthusiastic, asking questions and also fully participated in all activities.
 |
| Participants listening keenly -Lecture time |
 |
| Hands on material - Teachers practicing |
 |
| More practice with tissue rolls spindle material |
We believe the training will ideally help the teachers and
community members discover meaningful quality education and more importantly,
our experience at the Moe Ra Moe refugee camp showed that the basics of the Montessori
method works even in a refugee camp without the technical Montessori materials.
Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is that each child attending
the Moe Ra Moe refugee camp pre-schools develops self-direction and acceptance,
independence, attains interest and joy of learning and a sense of membership feeling
in a social group and community at large.
 |
| Thanks to KLDF Montessori team. We made these materials through their guidance! |
