AMI Talks – Digging Deep: Connecting to Nature for a Healthy Society

Although a young tradition, it is already a cherished custom to have a special AMI Talk on 31 August, which also marks Maria Montessori’s birthday (1870).

On Wednesday 31 August 2022, Nicolina Montesano Montessori and Yoliswa Mahobe presented “Digging Deep — Connecting to Nature for a Healthy Society”.

Both speakers have a deep interest in the laws of life and the role of nature for humankind’s true wellbeing; they have a keen eye for the interdependencies of this world - which they highlight in their presentation. Nicolina Montesano Montessori, a researcher with a background in discourse analysis, reflects on the importance of connecting to nature. With her special interest in ecoliteracy and social justice, she uncovers some of the “policy speak” of leaders when referring to the protection of nature.

Yoliswa Mahobe is attached to the Sustainability Institute, Stellenbosch, S.A. where she is the training coordinator for the Living Soils Community Learning Farm; here she supports community engagement work around food security. She also facilitates experiential garden lessons with the Lynedoch Small School, Lynedoch Children’s House and Youth programme.

Speakers

Nicolina Montessori (PhD) specialises in critical discourse analysis, which looks at language and power in society. She has done research on social movements, social entrepreneurship, and currently on ecovillages. All of these represent alternatives to present day society and many of them attempt to move the world into a more socially and ecologically just place for us all to live in. In the process, she distinguishes a deep ecology —grounded in nature — versus a shallow ecology — aiming at (bio)technological solutions. She investigates mechanisms such as permaculture and ecoliteracy which are helpful to guide us into a deep ecology. Permaculture is rooted in nature which then inspires also the social and economic dimensions of a society. Ecoliteracy as developed in California shows the complexity and interdependence of life. Nicolina thinks that these programmes should be spread more widely in education and in policy. She is excited to share these ideas with the extended Montessori family, trusting that precisely Montessori schools around the world have much to contribute to these issues.
 
Yoliswa Mahobe loves nature, food, beauty and people. That love has been a journey of discovery and has enabled her to connect with Agriculture in a holistic way. She studied Horticulture, and during her early career was introduced to Permaculture. She is inspired by being able to work with nature through growing food in a manner that respects the earth, while also co-creating beautiful living spaces in a landscape that humans will enjoy for peace, silence, beauty and learning. At the Sustainability Institute, Stellenbosch, South Africa, she is the training coordinator for the Living Soils Community Learning Farm where she supports community engagement work around food security in Lynedoch. She also facilitates experiential garden lessons with the Lynedoch Small School, Lynedoch Children’s House and Youth programme.