Karachi: Gymboree Play & Music, a pioneering institution in early childhood development, was launched in DHA Phase VI, Karachi on December 7, 2014. The day-long event included free previews for families with children ages 0-5 years, who were excited to take part in the classes on offer. The children also bought Gymboree’s educational toys and explored the play gym area. The event drew in more than 250 families. Beaconhouse Chief Executive Mr Kasim Kasuri and Gymboree Director Mrs Sophia Kasuri were present on the occasion of the launch. This is the first play and learn centre to open in Karachi.
A press conference was held in which Mrs Sophia Kasuri emphasised how important a child’s first few years are in terms of their physical, mental and behavioural development. She explained how Gymboree works with parents to facilitate social skills and personality development in an ultra-safe and hygienic environment. “Parents should spend time with their children doing meaningful activities rather than just buying them toys. Children learn the most from their parents as they are the key influencers in their lives,” she said, adding that the proprietary equipment at Gymboree has been especially designed by experts to assist in the development of fine and gross motor skills. Mrs Kasuri stressed that the government and other private institutes should also focus on early childhood development.
Gymboree’s unique approach to early childhood education that concentrates on parent-child interaction was a welcome novelty in the city. Gymboree will also be opening branches in Clifton, Karachi, Faisalabad, as well as additional branches in Lahore in the near future.
