By AUN News Bureau | December 18, 2024
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A preschool in the bustling centre of Mumbai is changing the way early education is viewed and provided by doing more than just educating. Arpita Bhattacharya’s Appy Mommy Playgroup and Learning Centre has established a noteworthy standard for inclusivity and creativity, paving the way for a shift in educational paradigms that could occur all across the world.
An Idea Born of Experience
From a renowned career in radio journalism to the establishment of a ground-breaking preschool, Arpita Bhattacharya’s path started with a vision. She gained a thorough understanding of storytelling during her time at Big FM, a talent she recognized might have a significant influence on young people’s development.
Bhattacharya explained, “I wanted to create an environment where kids could flourish, discover their potential, and learn to value both themselves and other people.” The creation of Appy Mommy Playgroup and Learning Centre, where education goes beyond the conventional bounds of academics, is the result of this desire.
Her observations of the shortcomings in traditional educational structures and her own experiences as a mother served as her motivation. The end product is a preschool that combines India’s rich cultural legacy with the finest pedagogical approaches from around the world. Appy Mommy is becoming a movement rather than only an educational establishment.
A Bold Commitment to Inclusivity
At the heart of Appy Mommy’s purpose is inclusivity. Children of various skill levels study and play together in its classes, creating a respectful and empathetic atmosphere. Every child feels appreciated and supported because of the centre’s approach, which demonstrates a dedication to equitable values.
This strategy is in line with international educational standards, such as Finland’s equity-driven system, which ensures that all kids, regardless of background, have an equal chance to thrive. Bhattacharya’s goal guarantees that every kid at Appy Mommy develops in a setting devoid of prejudice and brimming with opportunities.
Creativity at the Core
Appy Mommy’s creative curriculum, which is based on three fundamental pillars—music, narrative, and art—is what really makes it unique. These components serve as transformative learning aids in addition to being creative outlets.
For example, a storytelling session might explore topics like emotional intelligence or environmental stewardship, while a music workshop might use rhythms from Indian classical traditions to explain patterns. Children are frequently encouraged to graphically represent their ideas during art classes, which develops their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Methodologies like the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which highlights the importance of children as active participants in their educational journey, are echoed by this immersive approach. Lessons at Appy Mommy are made to be interesting and accessible for kids of all skill levels, guaranteeing that no child is left behind.
An International Standard for Inclusivity
Beyond the classroom, Appy Mommy is dedicated to promoting inclusivity. The school exposes students to a microcosm of the globe they will inherit by including a variety of cultures, languages, and traditions into its curriculum.
Children gain an appreciation for the diversity of cultures through everything from Indian classical music to Japanese phonics. This worldwide viewpoint is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 of the UN, which aims to promote inclusivity and lessen inequality.
In addition to creating global citizens, Appy Mommy is also establishing a standard for educational institutions around the world by fostering appreciation for variety.
Addressing Modern Challenges
Appy Mommy promotes a return to the fundamentals in a time when digital screens rule the landscape. Children are encouraged to examine literature in the school library, which fosters creativity and lessens reliance on screens. This program is a reflection of international literacy initiatives that stress early reading to improve cognitive development, including those in the Netherlands.
The school provides customized programming to meet the needs of kids with advanced talents. These programs integrate academic achievement with emotional health, preparing students for national and international competitions without overwhelming them.
Sustainability at the Heart of Education
Appy Mommy’s philosophy is firmly rooted in environmental awareness. Children are encouraged to think critically about sustainability, and lessons frequently include crafts that use recycled materials.
Bhattacharya stated, “We’re teaching kids to be stewards of the planet.” This pledge supports SDG 13, which aims to raise a generation of people who care about the environment.
Global Inspirations and Local Adaptations
Appy Mommy’s strategy combines the best international principles with regional customs. For instance, the storytelling sessions frequently include Indian traditional tales to conserve cultural history, while the usage of Japanese phonics is motivated by the effectiveness of Japanese educational practices. By combining these components, children are guaranteed to develop a global viewpoint while maintaining their cultural roots.
This flexibility reflects the initiatives of nations like Canada, where inclusive education is required by law, and Sweden, which combines academic rigor with play-based learning. Appy Mommy demonstrates how these strategies can be successfully localized in India’s varied educational environment.
A Leader with a Vision
Arpita Bhattacharya’s personal experiences have influenced her teaching perspective. A product of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Lady Irwin School, and Kirori Mal College, Bhattacharya’s experience in radio journalism sharpened her narrative abilities, which she currently employs to motivate young students.
In addition to her work as a teacher, Bhattacharya has started initiatives such as the Young Authors program, which gives kids as young as seven the ability to publish their own writings. “Children’s confidence is boosted and they are inspired to dream bigger when they see their work valued,” she said. Bhattacharya also created a children’s theatre group called the “Bal Rang Manch” to keep the heritage of art of our country fused with theatrics.
Recognition and Impact
The innovative and inclusive ethos of Appy Mommy has earned it national acclaim. In 2024, it received the Best Preschool Mumbai award at the Star Education Awards, hosted at the MMRDA Grounds, Mumbai. Additionally, the institution was celebrated as Best Preschool Maharashtra at the National School Awards, held in New Delhi.
These accolades underscore Appy Mommy’s unwavering dedication to redefining early education through creativity, inclusivity, and excellence. By combining global best practices with local traditions, the school has not only set a benchmark but also demonstrated the transformative power of thoughtful education.
Scaling the Vision
Plans for growth are being inspired by Appy Mommy’s success. Bhattacharya intends to apply her idea to underprivileged communities by working with non-governmental organizations and global institutions such as UNESCO and UNICEF, guaranteeing fair access to high-quality early education.
Additionally, the school’s methods might be modified for use in other countries, providing a model for fusing regional customs with global best practices. The idea behind Appy Mommy has the power to bring about systemic change in both rural India and metropolitan areas across the globe.
The Global Ripple Effect of Early Education
The Appy Mommy Playgroup and Learning Centre is a prime example of how community-based projects may have a worldwide influence. It provides a road map for how education may support a more sustainable and equitable society by tackling issues like screen dependency, sustainability, and inclusion.
A Call to Action
Appy Mommy’s tale serves as an example of what can be achieved in education when compassion, creativity, and respect for difference are the driving forces. Through her work, Bhattacharya pushes communities, educators, and legislators to rethink early education and guarantee that every kid has the chance to succeed.
As the world works toward achieving the SDGs, initiatives like Appy Mommy remind us that the seeds of global change often begin in small classrooms. By nurturing young minds with creativity and care, this preschool is not just educating children—it’s shaping the future.
A Blueprint for the Future
A critical question is brought up by Appy Mommy’s growing popularity: Can these models be expanded internationally to address more widespread structural disparities in early education? To ensure that inclusivity and innovation are the norm rather than the exception, policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions must work together to reproduce this approach in a variety of contexts.
Bhattacharya’s work demonstrates how effective local initiatives can be in bringing about global change. By fusing sustainability, creativity, and empathy, Appy Mommy establishes a standard for educational institutions around the globe. Scaling this impact while preserving the distinctive quality and individualized touch is now the difficult part.
In addition to being a success story, the preschool’s story serves as a call to action for everyone to give inclusive and sustainable early education first priority. By taking its lead, we can create a future in which all children, irrespective of their circumstances or aptitudes, have the resources necessary to prosper and make significant contributions to society.
