A major property developer, Gamuda Land, has teamed up with Kiddypedia, an educational organization, to foster the developmental growth of children in its townships. Gamuda Land’s chief operating officer, Jess Teng, emphasized their holistic approach to township planning, which includes thoughtful landscaping, infrastructure, home design, and community spaces. This partnership with Kiddypedia, Teng explained, is part of their commitment to creating activities that strengthen community bonds.
Kiddypedia, known for advocating children’s education and development, will introduce Kiddypedia Discovery Centres in Gamuda Gardens and twentyfive7 across Klang Valley. These centers will offer families edutainment experiences that explore various career paths through engaging activities.
Building on past successes like the “Heroes of Tomorrow” series, which reached over 5,000 participants, this new initiative integrates sports, arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workshops, and team-building exercises. This approach is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Gamuda Land’s facilities, such as parks, waterways, lakes, and the Wetlands Arboretum, will serve as the backdrop for hands-on educational programs. These place-based learning programs, co-developed with Gamuda Parks, aim to enhance participants’ environmental knowledge. They will run throughout the academic year, focusing on urban garden management and biodiversity conservation.
The “100 Careers Challenge” syllabus offers various career pathways, including roles like Little Botanist, Little Urban Planner, Little Environmental Architect, and Little Marine Biologist. Kiddypedia CEO Cavin Tan highlighted that these roles provide hands-on experiences to reinforce learning and promote teamwork, immersing children in real-world challenges.
Tan noted that the settings within Gamuda Land townships are ideal for their Play-Based Learning Centres. These environments blend classroom curriculum with local community, culture, and surroundings, using natural and cultural assets to enrich learning programs. The goal is to deepen children’s understanding of the world and inspire active participation in their environment and community.
These out-of-school programs not only enhance educational experiences but also offer parents insights into their child’s strengths and areas for improvement. They also provide opportunities for parents to connect with their children and other parents, fostering a supportive community network.
As the program evolves, plans include visits to Gamuda’s Next-Generation Digital Industrialised Building System facility in Banting, Selangor. This will give participants firsthand experience in modern construction methods and sustainable practices, representing the industry’s future. Field trips to the Wetlands Arboretum Centre at Gamuda Cove and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands will educate children about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
Additionally, a new children’s club, GL Rangers, will be introduced for those under 12 years old. For an annual membership fee of RM200, members will enjoy a 15% discount on programs at Kiddypedia Discovery Centres. Other benefits include a free gift upon registration, invitations to engaging activities and events, ensuring members stay updated on the latest highlights and programs.