Education consultant Quenita Walrond, who is passionate about early childhood development, has officially launched the Atakali Learning Lab.
The Atakali Learning Lab, located at Lot 6 Temple Street, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) – [Photo: News Room]
Atakali Learning Lab, located at Lot 6 Temple Street, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), promises to reshape the landscape of early childhood education in Guyana.
Walrond, a mother of two, shared her journey, revealing how her journey as a single parent in Canada inspired her to create a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for children.
Her vision is to offer guilt-free, quality care that supports working parents, particularly mothers, who often face the dilemma of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities.
A MOTHER’S MISSION TO FILL THE GAPS
Reflecting on her own challenges, Walrond recounted her search for the perfect early learning environment for her eldest daughter.
I did my homework, I researched, and I found a place that could provide care, stimulation, and a solid educational foundation.
However, upon her return to Guyana, she noticed a glaring gap in the early childhood care sector.
The options were either limited to half-day schools or reliant on family members or nannies to fill the void left by traditional childcare services.
Education consultant Quenita Walrond
“I saw women nodding in agreement, mothers who understand the struggle,” Walrond remarked during the institution’s recent launch.
This realisation was the catalyst for creating Atakali Learning Lab. The lab provides a space designed to support families by offering a full-day programme that runs from 8 am to 4 pm, covering not just childcare but also meaningful educational experiences.
A DISRUPTIVE APPROACH TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Atakali Learning Lab is not your typical early childhood centre, Walrond, the former Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), posited.
She noted that it aims to be a disruptor in the field by leveraging the Creative Curriculum, a globally recognised and research-backed approach to early childhood education.
According to Walrond, Atakali is set to be the ambassador school for this curriculum in Guyana, joining an elite group of institutions worldwide, including those in Qatar and Pakistan.
The lab’s approach is rooted in hands-on, minds-on education, focusing on developing 21st-century skills like cognitive growth, problem-solving, collaboration, and cooperation.
Atakali harnesses the power of play as a core teaching tool, believing that children learn best when they are engaged and exploring their surroundings.
We are anchored in a curriculum filled with intention, purpose, and balance. Our classrooms are not silent, but rather vibrant spaces where children are actively learning, talking, thinking, and growing.
THE ATAKALI ADVANTAGE: A FOCUS ON QUALITY, TECHNOLOGY, AND NUTRITION
One of the standout features of Atakali Learning Lab is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio. There are no more than nine students per teacher, ensuring personalised attention and care.
Each class is staffed with two educators, including trained graduate teachers and Atakali-trained teaching assistants.
But the Atakali Advantage doesn’t stop there. The lab integrates technology seamlessly into its curriculum, using smart screens not for passive entertainment but as tools to extend the learning experience.
Nutrition and rest are also integral to Atakali’s philosophy. Each child has an individualised sleep cot and personalised sleep stations, which contribute to their comfort and well-being.
The on-site chef prepares nutritionally balanced meals, with morning and afternoon snacks as well as lunch provided daily.
This is a full mind-body connection that’s vital for learning.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY: PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT
Atakali Learning Lab also places a strong emphasis on parental engagement, recognising the value of communication between the school and families.
The institution boasts a parent communication system that keeps families informed throughout the day.
We have a parent communication system that is bar none, par excellence, here in Guyana. Parents hear from us multiple times a day, and we hear from them, ensuring they are actively involved in their child’s learning journey.
PIONEERING A NEW ERA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
We are not just providing care; we are preparing children for successful tomorrows. This is a space where children can thrive, families can find balance, and communities can benefit from the re-immersion of skilled professionals into the workforce.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ATAKALI LEARNING LAB
- Telephone number: +592-672-0205
- Facebook: Atikali Learning Lab Inc.
- Instagram: Atikali Learning Lab Inc.
- Email: [email protected]
