We are thrilled to see the news of Jeff Bezos’s $2 billion charitable initiatives—the Day One Families Fund and Day One Academies—to fund existing non-profits that help homeless families and to launch high-quality, full-scholarship, Montessori-inspired preschools in historically under-resourced communities.
As a Montessori alum, Mr. Bezos—see preschool photo, at right—knows the value of this distinctive form of education, which nurtures the development of resourceful, independent, and respectful children who embrace a lifelong love of learning.
His vision to bring Montessori education to underserved communities, which is where it all began, more than 100 years ago, reflects the spirit of Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy, in which children are seen as the eventual purveyors of worldwide peace and social justice.
Dr. Montessori said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”
Through his actions, Mr. Bezos is carrying on her legacy by helping to realize that hope and promise for potentially thousands of children.
We at the American Montessori Society look forward to sharing knowledge, experience, and resources that will support his ambitious and transformative project.