Montessori Communities in Puerto Rico Need Your Help

October 17, 2017.

Dear Colleagues,

Nearly a month after Hurricane Maria, the situation in Puerto Rico remains dire. To help area Montessori schools and the families they serve, Instituto Nueva Escuela, a local AMS-affiliated teacher education program that has trained over 500 Montessori teachers on the island, has started a GoFundMe campaign.

Please donate if you can.

The situation in Puerto Rico is extremely serious, with many families still lacking even basic necessities such as water and hygiene products; and some schools demolished. INE reports that of the 50 schools and projects under their aegis, all have been affected—and more than 200 families have lost their homes. Contributions of any size are greatly appreciated.

There are other ways you can contribute, too. For example:

• Volunteer on a local brigade to distribute supplies to those in need. Contact INE director Ana María García Blanco.
• Help with school reconstruction. Contact Ana María.
• Become a “sister” Montessori school to an impacted Montessori school in Puerto Rico. Contact INE’s Lulu Arroyo.

You can read more about the work that the INE is doing to support Montessori communities and schools ravaged by Hurricane Maria in their Letter to the Community.

We have seen an unprecedented number of destructive storms over the past several weeks, and in response, we’ve come to you not once but several times to ask you to support those of your Montessori colleagues who have been suffered as a result. And each time, you have answered with compassion and generosity.

Your spirit of caring and giving makes me proud to be a part of our Montessori community.

With deep thanks,

Carla Hofland
Director of Member Services
212-358-1250 x302