Innovative preschools to come into being in UAE, GCC

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The preschool education segment in the UAE and GCC region is set to be transformed as MindChamps PreSchool, a leading early learning institution with centres in Australia and Singapore, has formed a joint venture with strategic global investment firm Foundation Holdings.

Developed by a team of interdisciplinary experts, the MindChamps programme is designed to create champion learners at the early learning stage through nurturing the joy of discovery. In unison with the 3-Mind teaching method, the school’s philosophy of ‘100% Respect and Zero Fear’ empowers young kids with the freedom to be creative and unique.

David Chiem, Founder CEO and Executive Chairman of MindChamps PreSchool, said, “Individuals and nations cannot reach their full potential without quality, accessible education. Today, there is a strong need in the GCC region to build and invest in the pre-schools sector, and develop new capacity - thereby improving access, and upgrading quality and service. This new alliance will further enable MindChamps to strengthen its branding and positioning.

“We are excited that our partnership with Foundation Holdings will enable us to transfer our breakthrough education model and research-based curriculum of the ‘3-Minds’ (the Champion Mind, the Creative Mind and the Learning Mind) approach to prepare children of the GCC region for the fascinating world of AI and beyond,” he added.

The education sector in the GCC region is anticipated to grow due to a rising population, and a growing preference for private education is perceived. Despite a regional economic slowdown, governments have continued to make sizeable budgetary allocations to the education sector. Various studies show the investments in early children education and care support parents and boost female employment.

With an intake of more than 437,000 preschool students each year in Saudi Arabia and 154,000 in the United Arab Emirates — 39 per cent of these in private schools — the sector continues to hold considerable appeal for investors and school operators.

Abhishek Sharma, Founder CEO of Foundation Holdings, said, “The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) strongly encourages countries and communities to invest more in high quality early children education and care. We strongly believe the healthcare and education sectors are set to drive human capital, innovation and transformational opportunities in the coming phase.”