Helps Children Learn Through Play
Project helps children to learn through play
Publish Date: Friday,24 April, 2009, at 11:51 PM Doha Time
Al-Kuwari assists children during a rock-climbing exercise
By Noimot Olayiwola
Doha: A young Qatari woman who spent most of her life in the US has now returned determined to give something back to the community. Iman Hamad al-Kuwari is daughter of the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari.
She has set up the Gympanzee in Villaggio mall - an after school gym to keep children busy while their mothers shop.
“I had nothing to do with being a teacher; however, my inspiration for this project are my children. As we all know that children are full of energy and unlike in the US where I grew up, there are not many places (here) where they can fully play and exercise in a constructive way,” the mother of three boys told Gulf Times.
Opened in January for children from two to 12, Gympanzee takes a comprehensive approach to the child’s development as it strives to provide children with a fun, clean, exciting, stimulating and safe environment that meets their mental and physical needs.
“When mothers need to attend to their shopping or house chores, they can drop their children with us to look after while they take care of their engagements and they can rest assured that their children are in safe hands as we try to educate them emotionally, physically and culturally beside what they learn within the school environment,” she said. On offer at Gympanzee are activities such as kidzart, soft play, musical games, potty training, rock climbing, story telling and interactive physical activities.
The centre also organises field trips for nurseries and schools, private parties, private art classes in compounds and after-school activities for private schools.
There is also an activity called Gympanzee mum for children below two years to develop their artistic skills with the help of their mothers.
“Already, Gympanzee’s after-school programmes are being held in some of the biggest schools in Doha, including American School of Doha, Lycee Bonaparte (French school) and the Lebanese School and we have hosted field trips for Al Maha School for Boys, Doha Acadmy, Newton School and Doha College,” al-Kuwari said.
Al-Kuwari who is a masters degree holder in Fine Art from a reputable university in Washington, said five professional teachers are currently looking after the children as they combine learning, exercise and entertainment.
“At Gympanzee, we try to build personality of the children by allowing them do things on their own and that is why we are not encouraging nannies to come around whenever they are with us,” she said.
Membership includes drop off. The service is available on hourly, daily (upon request) or monthly rates.
