SORAYA COFIE is a poised and magnanimous young woman who has built a successful career and business in a niche area of Montessori education in Ghana.
Soraya’s journey began a year after the birth of her first child. From a nursery teaching background as a specialised teacher supporting reading development through phonics, an opportune job interview in 2006 at a leading Montessori school in Ghana (Gingerbread House) spiked her curiosity to embark on a lifelong journey to the discovery of true Montessori philosophy obscured from the education terrain in Ghana. Soraya later discovered to her amazement, that so many nurseries were called Montessori by name and yet they had no inclination of what it truly is, cluttered with so much misconception from mostly mainstream nurseries.
This perception is what changed her direction, catalyst for the events leading up to today. Soraya realised that there was a gap in the education system that needed to be addressed and she set out to find a solution. For over a decade in the early childhood development and education, her quest has been to bring Montessori methodology in its full authenticity to the early years’ workforce. “I was determined to share my knowledge with my people, and so I endeavoured to train and develop learning of practitioners,” said Soraya.
On the spectrum of success, where effort consistently meets resistance, Soraya was faced with challenges such as financing the purchase of Montessori materials, finding a venue for training, the lack of nurseries in the country to observe and undertake Montessori teaching practice etc. Her financial constraints at the time could not afford her the initial capital of setting up a nursery.
Sacrificing to come this far to quit was not part of her mantras. In 2010, she set out to launch her first training programme in a nursery school she had previously managed with only four (4) people registered with her course. Determined to make a difference, she commuted with her Montessori Apparatus to every training programme. This is how the beautiful beginning of Montessori Centre Ghana (MCG) was born: the first state of the art training centre to delve into the philosophy, and add on other modules in child development, safeguarding professional development, and offering the first live demonstration in a model Montessori environment in Ghana. Quality over quantity benchmark standard which cannot be compromised has trained over four hundred and fifty (450) students and counting.
She has consulted, coached, mentored, and trained many (in Ghana, the UAE and Asia) to attain Montessori education and parenting.
She has also inspired and upskilled many to start Montessori nurseries, and many have started teaching careers in Montessori because her training institution has churned out many teachers who are gainfully employed by great schools. She is still on the insatiable quest to make Montessori relevant nationally, prominent in the industry, and to be appreciated by those who can find value in the method.
Today, MCG offers virtual learning environment for practitioners across West Africa and the diaspora. The future is looking bright for Soraya and her team.
The effort of MCG’s founder pioneering authentic Montessori practice in Ghana has not gone unrecognised by the global Montessori community. Soraya was nominated and conferred the honorary award as the first Ghanaian woman to propagate Montessori practice in its full authenticity so far and wide on the continent as the emerging 2022 International Winner of the prestigious Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Montessori in Practice in London.
Soraya is a total Montessori boss as she delivers her expertise so effortlessly with confidence and seasoned experience. She built her training development college and consulting/coaching business centred around client/student experience combining a background in Montessori Early Childhood/Developmental Psychology and International Business Studies and Administration while leveraging her professional experience in Client Relations.
Soraya is a sensational trainer/speaker with a flair for applying theory to practice. In her birth Month of February as she celebrates her 37 years’ milestone, she is celebrating it along with the recognition of her prestigious international recognition award as Africa’s celebrity Montessorian and Education Consultant and Parent Coach.
Soraya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, tenacity and hard work. Soraya’s passion for helping to promote the authenticity of Montessori philosophy in Ghana drove her to pursue her dream of making a difference in the world.
To book Soraya for Speaking engagements contact: hello@sorayacofie.com
