NMTC celebrates 25 years of excellence in early childhood education

KATHMANDU: Nepal Montessori Training Centre (NMTC) marked a significant milestone with its 25th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Conference at Premier International IB Continuum School.

The event brought together esteemed educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in early childhood education to reflect on NMTC’s legacy and discuss the future of Montessori education in Nepal.

During the formal ceremony, Ms. Pawitra Limbu, Director of NMTC, delivered a keynote speech, reflecting on NMTC’s 25-year journey and its impact on early childhood education in Nepal.

She acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Montessori educators and the collective efforts that have shaped NMTC’s reputation as a pioneering training institution.

Highlighting the core philosophy of Montessori education, she emphasized NMTC’s vision of fostering independent, curious, and confident learners. Her address also outlined NMTC’s future goals, including expanding training programs, integrating modern teaching methodologies, and strengthening partnerships to enhance the quality of early childhood education across Nepal.

The presence of Lt. Honorable Mr. Dev Raj Ghimire, the Chief Guest, added prestige to the event. In his speech, he commended NMTC for its pioneering role in Montessori training in Nepal and emphasized the importance of quality early childhood education in shaping the nation’s future.

Founder of Seto Gurans, Ms. Agatha Pakhrin Thapa, also shared her experiences and perspectives on Montessori education, inspiring attendees with her contributions to the field.

The event also featured a series of prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the Montessori education sector. The NMTC Enduring Excellence: Longest Service Award 2025 honored educators for their lifelong dedication to early childhood education.

The NMTC Alumni Excellence in Montessori Education Leadership Award 2025 celebrated former trainees who have made a significant impact in the field, while the Lifetime Achievement award paid tribute to individuals whose careers have been devoted to shaping young minds.

The event commenced with an insightful seminar by Mr. Karnav Prabhakar, IBDP School Counsellor & Psychologist at Premier International IB Continuum School, on “Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Early Years Milestones.” He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in children with neurodevelopmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and speech delays.

Through engaging case studies, he illustrated how educators can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for children with diverse needs. His session underscored the role of Montessori-based teaching strategies in promoting cognitive, social, and emotional growth among young learners.

Another highlight of the event was a session by Ms. Neelam Lama Dahal, speech-language pathologist/audiologist and vice president of the Speech and Hearing Association of Nepal, on “Speech and Hearing Development: Milestones and Early Risk Identification.” She discussed the crucial developmental stages of language acquisition in early childhood and the warning signs that may indicate speech or hearing impairments. She also provided valuable guidance on intervention strategies, including speech therapy techniques, parental involvement, and the role of educators in early detection. The session reinforced the importance of early intervention in preventing long-term speech and communication difficulties.

The celebration concluded with an interactive discussion and networking session, allowing educators, trainers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities.

With 25 years of unwavering commitment to early childhood education, NMTC remains dedicated to advancing Montessori principles and fostering a brighter future for young learners in Nepal.