Last week, we were delighted to welcome several international visitors into the life of our school community.
Hikaru, a student and headteacher from Tokyo, Japan, joined us for a full week of Montessori work cycles and community activities. The purpose of her visit was to learn more about the Montessori Adolescent Programme. During her stay with the Saja students, Hikaru immersed herself in the daily rhythm of the community and also had the opportunity to watch our students’ adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Real community work gives adolescents the chance to practise independence, responsibility and hospitality in a meaningful context.
We also welcomed students from Montessori Farm Aulendibach in Germany. Together, they participated in our very first student-organised lunch.
A lunch planned and prepared by students
The students planned the menu, went grocery shopping, purchased the ingredients, and prepared a meal for 20 people. The event was a great success and demonstrated impressive teamwork, responsibility and independence.
Why this matters
For adolescents, these experiences are not simply “extra activities”. They are part of the Montessori approach to meaningful work: learning through real responsibility, collaboration and service to others.
The visit became a beautiful example of what can happen when young people are trusted to organise, host and contribute to their community.