The first 28 Montessori diplomas in Sardinia were delivered in Villamassargia

«Now we observe children and the environment in a completely different way»: expressed in various ways on stage during the presentation of certificates by almost all of the excited first 28 graduates of the island in "Early childhood education 0-3 years with the Montessori method", the concept is the same for all. "It's like having worn glasses for the first time", summarizes the director of the National Montessori Opera (Onm) Susanna Castellet, quoting one of the well-known aphorisms of the mother of all pedagogues, Maria Montessori.

Yes, because the first Montessori course (and the only one, together with only the   3-6 year course held in Capoterra) which took place on the island, in Villamassargia, and culminated with today's sumptuous ceremony, seems to have truly changed the visions and perspectives of the 28 candidates (among them also a 20 year old boy) who gathered in the evocative gardens of the centuries-old Casa Casula residence. A dream location (set up by the professionals Cinzia Murgia and Alessia Ghisoni), among centuries-old trees and orchards, which in addition to many relatives and friends also hosted and saw awards given to some of the mayors and representatives of the 10 municipalities (Villamassargia, Domusnovas, Musei, Gonnesa of schools included in the same Cpt. Interspersed with sweet music played on the harp, the numerous interventions on stage did not skimp on bright eyes and emotion.

«It is the first time that the Opera Nazionale Montessori has signed an agreement with a single institution which in this case was our Cpt Ilaria Alpi», the municipal manager Laura Pasci proudly recalled. During the ceremony coordinated by the journalist Sara Vigorita, the mayor and landlady Debora Porrà was moved several times, speaking of the great efforts made to activate the course in the town of centuries-old olive trees: «It is a historic result - she stated - also in terms of anti-depopulation and we owe it to the network of municipalities and schools that we have established, putting together the resources to bring cutting-edge training right to our doorstep and make it free for all students. This diploma will guarantee great opportunities for all and profitable employment outcomes."

The mayor of Villamassargia also announced that Rosa Parks, the town's municipal nursery (and home to the Montessori course) «has been certified by the National Montessori Opera as the first Montessori nursery for 0-3 year olds on the island».

Sara Cambula, the councilor for public education, was also beaming: «We are creating something unique, it's right to treat ourselves to this beautiful party». The course coordinators were also on stage. Bringing neuroscience into play, the scientific coordinator of the Cpt Ilaria Alpi Mara Durante recalled how important the environment and the indications given to the child at a very young age are: «The 0-3 year age group is the one with the greatest neuronal plasticity. In practice, the neurons dance in this phase and neuroscience tells us that it is essential to let the child be outdoors, let him experiment and help him defend his ideas even when these appear divergent."

Concept reiterated by Susanna Castellet of the Onm: «Let's trust children, let them grow, experiment, even make mistakes». So much emotion for   all the students went on stage to receive their diploma. There are those who say a few words and run away, those who dwell on it, but practically all of them underline the fundamental role played by the course tutors Giorgia Marreddu (director of the Rosa Parks nursery school) and Tiziana Spagnolo. The mayors of the CPT also received a plaque certifying the outdoor space identified in each participating municipality to carry out the so-called "decentralized teaching". Debora Porrà recalled that the environment chosen in Villamassargia is the historic olive grove of s'Ortu Mannu. The beautiful evening then continued with convivial moments and jazz music in Piazza Pilar.