Women have many hidden talents:

Montessori training her speciality

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Parental love for children is immeasurable. This is why Pushpa Aluthgamage followed a Montessori training course in which child psychology was a part . Her love for children made her set up a Montessori and her venture has grown successfully.

She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Q. What is the type of your business and how do you set about it?

A. I started this venture to keep myself occupied and not as a business. I followed an AMI Diploma course in Sri Lanka and the Montessori Teacher Preparation of the US in Sri Lanka and noticed a big difference when working with hands-on material in keeping with the guidelines of Maria Montessori. I understood that the formative period of profound sensitivity to learning is from birth to six years. With this in mind I started a Montessori “Tinytots” with eight students.

It had added facilities - providing a daycare and transport from the children’s home to the school and back.

This took a big burden off the working parents as the children were in safe hands. The parents saw the difference when compared to other Montessoris around and they opted to admit their children to our school. I have three Montessoris at Peradeniya, Kandy and Negombo with a student population of over 200.

Q. How do you balance family life and business?

A. My husband was a Plantation Manager. I have four grown up children. As a good mother and wife I have done all my duties. With all the busy schedules of work I prepare all three meals at home that I enjoy with my family. Although the Teacher Training Centre Course keeps me occupied on Saturdays I am available for my children whenever they need me. They also support me in all matters concerning the school and the training centre.

Q. What are the challenges you faced?

A. Managing over 200 children in Peradeniya and in the MIA model schools of Kandy and Negombo with a dozen teachers and drivers is a big task. The unauthorized and low standard so-called Montessoris were a threat. These pre-schools advertise low rates and with no materials whatsoever.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. I am involved in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Teacher Training. Maria Montessori was the founder of the Montessori system of education. She did great work and today this system of education is spread all over the world. As a woman I feel that I am no different to a man. If we make up our mind and are confident of ourselves we can do wonders more than the average men. Dedication and self-confidence will take you a long way.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I want to spread the message of Montessori education throughout the island. I have begun a series of conferences and workshops in the Central Province and plan to expand it in the Eastern region. I yearn to serve in the North and the East and I am working hard to meet the teachers in these regions. Plans are under way to train Pre-school teachers in two provinces within the next five years. I expect children to have a strong foundation.

This will help them to prosper and shine in whatever field they choose.

Q. As a woman was it an advantage to be in business?

A. Definitely yes. Women have a lot of hidden talents. These talents surface when we are exposed to challenges coupled with self-confidence and dedication towards any kind of work. In my case I have made use of all my talents that I have derived from my mother.

Q. What were your achievements in business and family?

A. The parents give me a feedback on the progress of their children who were students of our montessoris. The information is so encouraging and I feel that I have done a good job. These children are self-confident and bold in doing whatever they do. They are independent in their day-to-day affairs.

I conduct two teacher training courses - The advanced Montessori Teacher Preparation course and Level 1- local course. There is a big demand for those who have followed this course in Western countries. The Teacher Trainees who have passed out from our courses are doing well in many parts of the world. Most of them are in the United States undergoing further internship.

The most memorable achievement was the Montessori Institute of America identifying my school as the model centre to conduct the Teacher Training Courses in the Asian region in 2004. This year I was appointed a Board Director of the MIA. I am the Managing Directress of Brilliant International School, Tinytots Montessori at Peradeniya, Montessori Plus at Negombo and Kandy, Administrative Directress of Montessori Teacher preparation of the United States in Sri Lanka and the President of Sri Lanka Early Childhood Educators’ Association of the Central Province.

I received three 3 star awards for the Best Montessori in the Central Province in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. I also won the award for the most courageous woman in the Central Province in 2006.

Q. What is your contribution to the society?

A. I use the resources and opportunities to engage in social activities. I help and care for disabled soldiers. I have extended my hand to a batch of teachers of the Eastern Province who were affected by the war to be trained free. I am a Board Member of the Senkadagala Lions Club and involved in social service.

I have realized the importance of the English language and my contribution towards encouraging children has made a positive impact on their school career. I also present Montessori material periodically to children in the most remote parts of the country to brighten their future.