Liberty Education Program

Liberty Foundation draws from the child-centred educational approaches of Montessori and Reggio Emilia. 

The Montessori approach

In Italy in the early 1900's Dr Maria Montessori, Italy's first female Doctor of Medicine, pioneered new methods of teaching whilst working with underprivileged children. Her revolutionary approach enabled these children - excluded from education and deemed 'unteachable' - to go on to pass state exams and make far greater progress than was ever possible through conventional methods. Following this, Maria Montessori was encouraged to open a school for disadvantaged children in Rome and went on to spend the rest of her life training and teaching her methods which are now used to educate children from all socio-economic backgrounds all around the world. The Montessori method focuses on working with each child to develop confidence, independence and a desire to learn. Children 'learn through doing' and work in an environment of mutual respect and co-operation which aims for the development of the whole child.

The Reggio Emilia approach

Reggio Emilia refers to a school system in a region of Northern Italy that strives to serve the child's welfare and the social needs of families, promotes child creativity and active participation. The Reggio approach to early childhood education has been widely recognized, its innovative programmes acknowledged by educators, psychologists, and researchers from all over the world as the most exceptional example of the highest quality early education that the world has ever seen (Dahlberg, Moss, & Pence, 1999; Gardner, 2001; Newsweek, 1991). UNICEF is currently working to introduce the Reggio method into a number of countries where a failing education system is a key issue.

Liberty Community School

In October 2006 Liberty’s newly built school and learning centre opened its doors to the eagerly awaiting children of both Liberty Children’s Home and the wider community of Ladyville. Teachers, caregivers and parents have all been working together towards a common goal of providing the children with an environment where each child can develop to his/her potential.

Every parent who has a child attending the school automatically becomes part of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program – an outreach program providing guidance and support to families with young children. The first parent meeting was held on October 26th and almost every parent attended. This high level of interaction and co-operation between Liberty staff and parents is just what is needed to ensure the success of Liberty’s Learning Program which aims to not only provide a quality early education experience to children but to support their families with the individual challenges they face.