Montessori kids find helping campaign makes lots of cents

The pupils are collecting pennies for the Central, Asia Institute.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley has joined hundreds of other Montessori schools across North America in a Pennies for Peace campaign.

Pennies for Peace, a program of Central Asia Institute, educates children about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time.

“Ours is a curriculum of global citizenship with an emphasis on philanthropy,” explained Amy-Anne Kibler, director of the school. “We chose Pennies for Peace not only for its noble cause, but for the opportunity for every child — no matter what their age or economic background — to participate.”

The effort is visible at every age level. Three-year-old children are polishing pennies, elementary pupils are exploring the cultures of the regions to benefit by the collection and adolescent pupils are discussing the Taliban.

“Throughout the school, this projecting is impacting our children, as they realize that even the youngest among them can make a difference,” Kibler said.

Montessori schools across the nation will combine their pennies to present to Pennies for Peace at the American Montessori Society annual conference in New Orleans in late February.

Kibler said no specific fundraising goals were set and there are no prizes for participation in this effort.

“I think it is important to allow the children to give of their own hearts without any tangible reward except the satisfaction of doing what is right,” she explained.

Everyone can participate. The school is accepting pennies at its 2008 Lynn Ave. location and in marked collection jars around town through Tuesday.