The art of day to day living and value based education imparted to them in those formative years lays the foundation stones for every kid’s bright future.
“First Steps”, the name itself denotes the very concept of this prep school. Commenced in year 2001, a time when the concept of play school itself was almost unheard of, a prep school for kids was the initiative Mrs Laxmi took up immediately aft
er her husband’s retirement from Defence Services. Today, with strength of 25-30 students, 15 experienced, qualified and well trained teachers with optimum teacher-student ratio, 2 maids, Security and a van to pick and drop kids safely, First Steps has come a long way. It provides a healthy, hygienic and secure atmosphere with loving care and affection for kids. With brightly lit, attractive and well ventilated, equipped with audio-visual teaching aids, day care centre lay the foundation for entry in the best primary schools. In an informal chat with Mrs Laxmi, she said, “When I started this school, there were only two rooms at that time, I added a few more rooms, then took up further constructions upstairs as I wanted the kids to have good open space to play, added a splash pool for kids.”
She further added, “In our school, you will find kids, some of them rejects from other big schools, because they are either mentally or physically challenged and they do need specialised care, we at First Steps have given them the right environment and the right educative tools to hone and enhance their skills and knowledge. But, even I have my limitations; I can not take in more responsibilities in spite of my willingness as I have to take care of my elderly in-laws. I am just doing my share for the society. In my opinion, if everyone can help out 2 such kids, the world definitely will be a better place.”
She narrated a small incident which happened quite recently, “About a year ago a gentleman brought his four years old grandson to us, the poor kid was reject from a very big school. The child was born with defect in ear and vocal cords. The child is five years old now and can read and write alphabets and numbers. The jubilant parent of the child, both well educated, met me recently and thanked me profusely for the development her son has shown in the past one year and told me that they have enrolled their son for speech therapy sessions now. So all is well that ends well.”
As a parting shot she has some sincere advice for the parents, “Don’t be over enthusiastic about parenting, just be there for you kid and do what is necessary for their normal growth.”
27/10/2015
