It's work and play too

SOMETIME AGO, parents at Kids Central mooted the idea of a club of sorts for children, one which allows for all children to get together in the evenings and just be together, engaging in activities of their choice under the supervision of an adult.

Changes in lifestyle, pressures of work, nuclear families and new modes of entertainment and stimulation have rendered it necessary to re-invent the support structures for children today.

At Kids Central, children, their parents and educators constantly work together as agents of change and stability.

Looking back, it began with an afterschool programme that provided children with the space away from school and home, giving them an opportunity to look at life without having to accept pressure and harsh disciplinary measures as part of the package.

But, for the parents, there is the stress of seeing to the completion of homework and allocating time for tuition classes on the weekdays. For the child, there is no escape from school and work even after school hours. It is almost as if they carry their school bags to bed.

Factoring the needs for homework time and tuition as well as continuing to reach her unique programme out to the children, Valli Subbiah, director of Kids Central and her team of educators, Sindhu, Saras and Sri Lakshmi, have come up with a restructuring of sorts.

While the pre-school will function as usual in the mornings, the older children from 4-10 years of age will get to visit Kids Central any day and any time from Monday to Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. There are various packages that are available, ranging from 10 to 40 hours. Parents get to drop off and pick up their children at their convenience. During the time spent at Kids Central, the child is exposed to a variety of hands-on activities based on the concepts taught at school. It is a value-based programme that imbues a child with thinking, socialisation and emotional skills. The programme is also designed to increase confidence levels, public speaking skills and develop a sense of awareness, concern and sharing. "This new programme allows for a lot more flexibility to meet wider and ever-changing needs," says Valli.

On Saturdays, there is a broader range of activities. This term, children between 5 and 12 years of age get exposed to 'Fabric Art' and "Art and Craft" and "An Introduction to Theatre and Storytelling." For children between the ages 8 and 12, the sports activity for the term will be "Basketball." On this day, there will be specialists in each area to interact with the group and share their expertise.

The new concept of a club that is open to all children on weekdays and Saturday as a 'special day' will begin on July 1. Says Valli, "It will open up many more options for children."

Just then a woman walks into Kids Central and enrols her son. "Please help him come out of his shell," she requests Valli.

"Parents are now beginning to deal with what they want to expose their children to, trying to figure it all out." While concepts such as Kids Central are not time-tested and the results, therefore, not immediately tangible, this is an opportunity for parents to get involved in the process of change. For parents and children interested in providing feedback and being part of the process, the numbers to call are 4473551 and 4475167. Alternatively, e-mail the Kids Central team of educators at kidscent@hotmail.com

NIRMALA SESHADRI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : A cool time for kids
Next     : For that cutting edge