Focused on early childhood learning in creative arts, sciences and early literacy, Kidihou, a children’s museum was opened at Whitefield, Kondapur here on Tuesday.
Aimed at children in the age group of 1 to 8 years, Kidihou offers learning through play, prompting them to discover at their own pace and focusing on areas that interest them. Former Mrs. India Shilpa Reddy and others were present at the launch. The paraphernalia at the spaciously planned premises include exhibits and play concepts including a do-it-yourself room with a range of activities for children, Picasso’s Hideout where creative and artistic aspirations can be unleashed and Dr. Pet which recreates a veterinary care centre with play items.
“Each of these are aimed at stimulating curiosity, motivate learning and developing cognitive and social skills,” says Kidihou founder, Niranjan Vasireddy. Today’s children are increasingly forced to grow up in a box with activities limited to school where formal education is in focus. “Consequently, they are deprived of overall development which forms the foundation of what they become in future,” he argues. Kidihou promises to step in here with its exhibits, experienced staff and programmes designed to spark children’s imagination, Mr. Vasireddy says. In the next five years, Kidihou plans to establish a network of 100 such museums across the country.