The MOU signed recently between representative signatories Rev. Sr. Stanislaus Vas, Director Training, Good Shepherd Maria Montessori and Mr. Olof De Weerdt, Managing Director, Nienhuis Asia (Pvt) Ltd cements the existing relationship between the two industry leaders and promises to provide better standard equipment to students through the reputed training programs offered by the training centre.
Speaking on the signing of the MOU, Sister Stanislaus Vas, explained, “The Good Shepherd Maria Montessori training centre has been at the forefront of AMI training for the last 70 years dating back to 1944 when Maria Montessori visited Sri Lanka to launch the programme. We are proud to partner with another organization that began its journey with the personal involvement of Maria Montessori. Nienhuis was founded by the original carpenter Albert Nienhuis, who produced Maria Montessori’s original teaching aids. We are proud to have formalized our relationship with Nienhuis in the presence of Anjana Ranasooriya, Manager Employee Relations and Welfare, Nienhuis, Naomal Sugathipala, General Manager, Nienhuis and Rev. Sr. Rohini Mendis, Local Leader, St. Bridget’s Convent and look forward to a continued and fruitful partnership.”
As a gesture of goodwill for the LKR 10 Million donation and sponsorship of the 70th anniversary of Montessori in Sri Lanka by Nienhuis, the training centre will provide training in Montessori methodology to Nienhuis management. The goal of this training is to ensure that Nienhuis management have constant and up-to-date knowledge on the practical applications of the equipment produced and are better able to understand the final applications of the products.
Established in Sri Lanka almost two decades ago, Nienhuis is one of only five approved manufacturers of AMI approved Montessori materials worldwide. The vital aspect of precision in the production process of the equipment sets Nienhuis apart from international competitors and was the reason behind the company’s decision to move production operations from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka.
Speaking on the impact the MOU will have on the standards of production at Nienhuis, Mr. Olof De Weerdt explained, “Since our inception, the Nienhuis group has constantly reaffirmed its focus on providing the highest quality AMI Montessori equipment. Through our partnership with the Maria Montessori training centre, the training we will receive will bring into tighter focus the practical applicability of the equipment and provide us with a better understanding of the product – resulting in constantly improved standards and better understanding.”
The exhibition in commemoration of the GSMMTC’s 70th anniversary will be open to the public from the 19th to the 20th of September following a Holy Mass on September 18th. The exhibition will provide a comprehensive insight into the training centre’s work and achievements over the last 70 years as well as its plans for the future and the full scope and applications the equipment provided by Nienhuis.(KH/SI)
