Three mothers come together to give a unique start to learning

Mariam Al Kassab, Shifa Yusuffali and Laura Willing at Orange Seeds Nursery in Abu Dhabi. - Supplied photo

Mothers have the special ability to understand things which their toddlers don't even say. So, when three mothers - Shifa Yusuffali, Mariam Al Kassab and Laura Willing - got together, they came up with a unique creation for kids: A nursery where tots get to experience yoga, a jungle gym to exercise, a library with a rooftop, wooden huts to play home-sweet-home, a clubhouse for secret get-togethers, slides and trampolines to have fun - and all of these can be enjoyed with soothing music in the background.
The 10,000sq-ft, purpose-built Orange Seeds Nursery have 90 seats for kids aged between six months and four years in four different groups. The nursery follows the British curriculum that includes Arabic and French.
Shifa, the founder of the new venture, said it was motherhood that led to an idea of combining learning with play. "When I became a mother seven years ago, I experienced first-hand the excitement, as well as the struggles, of raising an infant into a toddler during the different growing stages. I researched for hours to find activities to do together to enhance her different skills. I visited many nurseries and play areas in the region to understand the best environment that will benefit my daughter."
Shifa realised that many other parents were also looking for a stimulating environment and playful learning experience. "And that's how it all began. In 2016,
Ideacrate Edutainment was born. We are committed to delivering an innovative, creative and unique playing experience for children. This nursery is the latest venture from Ideacrate," she said.
Mariam's journey started 15 years ago when her daughter was just two years old.
"Someone introduced me to the world of montessori. I understood that creating beautiful spaces for children could make a difference in their world. Later, I opened an entertainment centre, a nursery and a kids club. My life purpose is to design beautiful spaces for children."
Mariam founded Kidz Venture Nursery in Mangrove Village Abu Dhabi, which was last month acquired by Ideacrate and converted into Orange Seeds Nursery. Mariam is now the regional director at Orange Seed.
Laura, director at the nursery, has worked across the UAE and said Orange Seeds offers a  unique environment. "We include lots of music, sensory plays, yoga, etc. We have 26 different nationalities. My mother and grandmother were teachers, too. I am a mother myself and share the passion of Shifa and Mariam for giving kids the best start to life," Laura said.
There are seven such nurseries planned throughout the UAE in the next two years.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com