The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) was founded in 1929 by Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her life’s work, and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death. AMI is the recognised international authority on Montessori education.
During its long history AMI has fostered the growth and development of Montessori programmes and teacher training, and worked to support the development and education of children and young adults in a vast variety of settings throughout the world. AMI is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (since 1985) and an NGO in operational relations with UNESCO (since 1962).

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The mission of the Association Montessori Internationale is to support the natural development of the human being from birth to maturity, enabling children to become the transforming elements of society, leading to a harmonious and peaceful world.