The Atikali Learning Lab, a space dedicated to nurturing learning for kids aged 15 months to five years, formally opened its doors at Lot 6 Temple Street, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday.
The founder is Quenita Walrond, an education professional with 25 years of experience, who heads the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and is the sister of Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
‘Atikali’ is a verb meaning to understand, which Quenita Walrond said is the essence of true learning and stems from her own personal experiences of raising her children as a single parent, worrying about their safety and care while she was at work.
The lab offers a developmentally appropriate full-day engagement programme where the whole child is said to be nurtured in an environment of fun, care, and knowledge building and sharing.
“At Atikali Learning Lab, we believe that learning is a treasure that stays with your child forever. Our programmes are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young minds. Whether it’s reading, maths, or STEM activities, we help children explore their passions and build a strong foundation for the future,” Walrond shared.
With her office having to be where her child would be for the second part of the day once school dismissed at noon, Walrond understood how practical it would be to open the space all day, from 8 am to 4 pm.
With a student-teacher ratio of one to nine, Walrond said Atikali offers the gift of guilt-free time for parents, with a curriculum that includes intention, purpose, and balance.
Minister Walrond was high in praise for her sister, assuring her of support both in a personal capacity and from the standpoint of government. She pointed out that it is a plus for the government to have someone like Quenita who is highly qualified and was working overseas but chose to come back and work in Guyana.
She noted that the businesswoman had the tenacity to step out and take advantage of the opportunities available to her and encouraged other skilled persons in the diaspora to come back and benefit from the enabling environment that the government has created.
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