Play and learn: Gymboree opens doors to Karachiites

“Gymboree exclusively works on parent-child learning unlike other playgroup institutes in the country,” says...

KARACHI:

After a soft launch in November 2014, more than 100 parents got their children registered at Gymboree Play and Music, the first of its kind activity-based institute in Karachi for children less than five years of age.

“Gymboree exclusively works on parent-child learning unlike other playgroup institutes in the country,” said Gymboree director Sophia Kasuri at the institute’s official launch ceremony at its premises in DHA Phase VI on Sunday.



Most Pakistani parents believe in academic learning but Gymboree Play and Music, which started its third franchise in Pakistan and first in Karachi, believes in social learning. “We encourage parents to come at least twice a week to learn with their child and repeat the activity at home,” said Kasuri. “Children learn the most from their parents as they are the key influencers in their lives.”

Gymboree was first launched in the United States of America in 1976. “All the equipment used in the academy is updated every year according to research conducted by specialised foreign researchers,” she said.

“Parents should spend time with their children doing meaningful activities rather than just buying those toys,” she said, signalling towards the toys in the play area.

Beaconhouse School System (BSS) chief executive officer Kasim Kasuri said that more branches of Gymboree will soon be launched in areas such as Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Nazimabad and PECHS. BSS, Defence branch, is working on a collaboration programme with Gymboree. “Children who have learnt the basics at Gymboree can be enrolled in BSS with a concession in the admission fee,” he said. ”Gymboree will also be opening new branches in Clifton and a preschool for the students of Gymboree.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2014.