India, 5th May 2023: Encouraged by Government of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the subsequent National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022, Northern Europe’s largest preschool chain Dibber has announced their entry in India offering Nordic pedagogy, an emerging curriculum of choice. Dibber has launched three centres in Bengaluru, one each in Hyderabad and Pune and plans to open 20 schools by March 2024 in Hyderabad, Pune, Gurugram, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.
Dibber was founded by two passionate educators, Randi and Hans Jacob Sundby in 2003. Dibber provides unique learning techniques such as the “Seven Learning friends” – Jumping Jack who promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, Hearty Howard who promotes kindness and empathy, Woody Woo who encourages experiencing the wonders of nature, Rhyming Roger who helps with reading and literacy, Colour Palette who encourages to express the creative side, Counting Conny who teaches counting, concepts of time, space, measurement, colours, shape etc and Play Penny who focuses on importance of play in the early years. It also follows the “Dibber Heart Culture” that promises a balanced and enjoyable learning journey. As part of The Dibber Way, the school partners with parents to make the learning journey collaborative and ensure that the same is also reinforced at home. Dibber’s India centres are also developed keeping in mind the age and diversity of children in preschools.
Internationally, Dibber schools are known for their world class infrastructure, high quality learning resources and expansive outdoor play areas as connecting with nature is an important facet of the Nordic way of learning. In India too, Dibber schools are spread over 4000 sq. ft have infant rooms with nursing areas and diaper changing stations as well as large outdoor areas for children.
Co-Founder of Dibber International Preschools, Hans Jacob Sundby said, “We are elated to launch our centres in India and are committed to building a high-quality early childhood learning ecosystem. Early Learning Centres are where the foundations of numeracy, literacy and creativity are laid. At Dibber, children are supported and challenged, to enjoy and extend their learning through a range of activities throughout the day. We are driven by heart and our warm-hearted qualified people, proven pedagogy principles, safe, stimulating, and playful environment, and modern digital systems create an unparalleled learning environment for the child.”
Hans further added, “We recognise the impact the early years have on building the child’s intrinsic value and a strong personality. Therefore, across our centres we partner with new age parents who are ready to raise their children as future global citizens and need adequate support from their child’s school as well. Across the world, our centres have adapted and adopted local nuances appropriately.”
Ms Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy said “In Norway, the emphasis is to provide children with a good environment with an emphasis on play and socializing with other children and adults. The nursery should develop the individual child’s personality, help children develop the ability to tolerate and care for others, and provide self-expression through versatile play – and activities. India has a great history and diverse culture, which also encourages versatility and tolerance, and I believe Indian toddlers would benefit from the Nordic approach to learning. I congratulate Dibber on their launch in India and extend my sincere wishes on their plans to provide high-quality early childhood education services across the country.”
Mr. Cristian Valdes Carter, Head- Innovation Norway (India) and Commercial Counsellor, Royal Norwegian Embassy said “The increasing interest among Norwegian companies to invest and expand into India is a clear sign of our growing cooperation. There are presently over 130 Norwegian companies in India in various sectors, and we warmly welcome Dibber’s entry into India, in the key sector of education.”
Ritesh Handa, CEO, Dibber Schools India, said, “India presents a huge opportunity for Dibber as its pedagogy is aligned with NEP 2020 which addresses not only academic but emotional, ethical, and social needs of children at an early age. What sets Dibber apart is that its Founders, Randi and Hans Jacob educators ensure that a child gets best-in-class exposure to everything needed for holistic development. With a truly global network, Dibber offers inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued. We have a well-developed curriculum, but we also stay prepared for impromptu learning as opportunity presents. We have selected locations that are convenient for a large number of working new age parents and hired some of the best educators and support staff across our centres. We are excited by the great response that we have received so far from parents and are on track to expand our centres across more cities in India.”
Admissions are open at Dibber Schools for children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years, offering preschool and afterschool facilities for infants to senior kindergarten classes.
The NEP 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022, lays emphasis on play-based learning and development of cognitive and socio-emotional skill. The Nordic pedagogy is perfectly aligned with this idea. It values understanding and recognition of self-worth that enables the child to be self-driven and be co-creators of their learning experience. It enables the child to experience the joy of mastery in their own way. The outdoor component and appreciation for nature also sets Nordic pedagogy apart. The involvement of the parents and families is very crucial in this form of learning.
