"Help me to do it myself" - Dr. Maria Montessori Pedagogy

About Me

It all began with a simple idea – driven by my deep passion for education and the desire to create unique and authentic quality and develop customized concepts that benefit many children and society as a whole, giving them a real foundation for mastering life. As a small company based in Hamburg, with future headquarters planned in Abu Dhabi, we value personal care and dedication to every detail. Quality and integrity are our core principles. This is how we ensure that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, I began my career in early childhood education by working holistically on children's physical and emotional development. Building on this foundation, I founded a start-up focused on creating Waldorf-inspired kindergartens, enriching the German educational landscape. From concept development and permitting processes to construction management, financing, staffing, and consulting, I have acquired expertise across the entire spectrum of early childhood education.

In addition, I have coached and empowered young women to advance their careers, contributing actively to integration and social inclusion through education.

Born in 1969, I come from a rich cultural heritage — paternally descended from an old Samurai family in Japan and maternally from northern Germany. My international background includes living in the USA, as well as extended stays in the UK, Spain, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This diverse experience shapes my personal and professional outlook deeply.

Inspired by the Middle East's visionary development goals toward Vision 2030/2035 & 2040 -  and supported by my academic background in Islamic studies, I have been focusing on this region since 2025. My many years of experience in Germany and my love for the Middle East combine to make me an integral part of early childhood education as a cornerstone of the region's future.

As a mother of children who attended international schools, I bring both professional expertise and personal insights. Beyond education, I am a multidisciplinary artist and social entrepreneur with a mission to create meaningful change.

I am excited to partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to co-create and build inspiring educational turning vision into lasting impact.                         Mitsue Kono, June 2025

"There is more within us than we know.

If we can bring it to light, we would literally be amazed"

 

- Kurt Hahn, founder and co-founder of School Schloss Salem (1920), Outward Bound (originally a program that later became an organization), Gordonstoun School (in Scotland), and United World Colleges (UWC) -