A philanthropist at heart, children inspire her; they are the pillars of her educational foray, and the drive behind her future goals towards a comprehensive institution.
Tell us a bit about your background and how it has contributed to your decision of establishing a nursery in Dubai.
It all started back in Mumbai, where I got involved in a lot of charity work alongside pursuing my education in university. My first association was with India’s National Association for the “Blind School”, where I helped children utilize their other stronger senses for reading, arts and crafts. They were so adorable that you just find yourself bearing unconditional love for them. I also got involved with Mother Theresa’s orphanage, where I had the good fortune to meet her personally. She inspired me and gave me the opportunity to interact with and teach underprivileged children. After getting married, I shifted to Dubai, and here I started helping at the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, which was a pediatric section at Rashid Hospital. I volunteered at the thrift shop where the sale proceeds would help throw celebrations for the children. Being passionate about children, and with the support of my family, I decided to delve into my dream of building a nursery.
When you founded Milestones Nursery, what was your main goal?
Being in Dubai for over two decades, watching the country grow, and talking to people around made me realize that there was a shortage of nurseries and kindergartens. Since most nurseries follow the British curriculum, it lead me to research and adopt the American “HighScope Curriculum”, which helps children attain a strong foundation through interactive learning.
How do you see the future of early childhood education in Dubai?
It is certainly very bright! The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Ministry of Social Affairs are taking big initiatives towards early education.
What are you looking to foster in the younger generations to come?
The HighScope curriculum initiates the overall growth of a child to develop an individual personality. The focus at this young tender age should not only be about academics, but individuality itself.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
Since technology is the future and plays a large role in daily life, I have introduced the idea of using iPads and interactive learning boards for educational purposes, so that the children can incorporate technology into their life from an early stage.
HighScope is a very well-known preschoolers’ curriculum in the United States and Canada since 1970 and is expanding worldwide. Statistics have shown that students have grown to hold important positions and fulfilling careers in their lives.
What has the nursery added to you on the personal and professional levels?
I feel I have already grown and I am looking forward to continue growing, as every day is a learning process. Establishing a learning center for children has been an enlightening experience.
“Don’t limit yourself to the skies, when there is a whole galaxy out there.”
I have also begun to further study child development so I am able to attain and apply the skills within the nursery.
What are your future goals for Milestones?
Milestones Nursery is a stepping stone in the direction of introducing more Early Learning Centers in Dubai and the UAE. I would love to establish institutions for different age groups. I am also looking to incorporate causes in such a way that for every child who enrols, a percentage of the money would go to an organization that works with underprivileged children. I believe that there should never be any disparities towards children; every child should have the opportunity towards a strong education.
This is only the beginning. We always say ‘children take baby steps’, and so do we along with them!