This story was originally written in Spanish. Read the Spanish version here. 

When I analyze education in Peru overall, I see that there is much to build and to strengthen, beginning with the commitment of teachers to their work—principally in their hearts. In other words, teachers feel that being a teacher is not only a job, but that they do their work because of love for children.

Children are small sponges who absorb absolutely everything. Knowing this, as a teacher, for me it is fundamental to provide knowledge with love when I am teaching children in the early years of their lives.

Many things have happened in my life, but something that I will never forget and that changed my life forever was when I arrived for the first time as a German teacher in a kindergarten class in Peru. The moment that I crossed the threshold of the door, I realized that this classroom was a world apart from other schools I know. This kindergarten was infused with harmony, peace and love. Furthermore, I observed that this school used pedagogical elements that I was not familiar with because it was a kindergarten following the Montessori Methodology.

The Montessori Method was developed by an Italian educator and doctor, Maria Montessori, in the early twentieth century. The method is characterized by providing a learned environment that is organized, aesthetically-accessible, simple and real, where each element contributes appropriately to children’s development.

I was gratified to see how the children enjoyed each activity that the Montessori Methodology guide offered to them. I was deeply moved to see the children’s personal autonomy at ages as young as 2 or 4 years old.

That day, I felt that my heart could not take more emotion. In that moment, I said to myself, “Gianina, you have found what you have been looking for in your life.” While I felt tears running down my cheeks, I found my happiness.

I knew that I had found a tool that would be able to guide children with learning difficulties and, above all, to guide the children in my country. Guiding the children of Peru is truly my passion.

I will always be grateful to the director of the kindergarten, dear Tante Janet, for allowing me to enter the marvelous world of Montessori. It has been seven years since that day and, since then, I have not stopped nor have I wanted to stop learning and exploring.

In 2019, I was delighted to hear that the International Montessori Association (AMI) was in Peru as the Montessori Asociación Perú (MAP).

Today, I am a Montessori assistant, certified by AMI, and I say with great pride that I am delighted to be able to continue the legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori—a legacy of love. My goal is to bring the marvelous Montessori Methodology to the most distant and hidden corners of Peru.

Maria Montessori said, “Sow in children good ideas, even if they do not understand them; years will empower children to decipher them in their own understanding and make ideas blossom in their hearts.”

I follow this path in my life, with the visions of God and of Maria Montessori in my heart. I will continue sowing and I hope that my eyes can see, once in a while, the fruits that grow, each in its time.

I love life; I am happy!

To see growing makes my heart happy.