KidzMondo is no child’s play

Imagine a self-sufficient city with its own economy and currency (kidlar), built for and managed solely by children, who get to participate in over 80 different professional role play activities contained within. That would be the indoor theme park of KidzMondo that’s being put together at the Mall of Qatar and is scheduled to open during the second half of 2016.As the folks at KidzMondo say, it is not merely a theme park but a full-blown city scaled down to the size of a kid’s world. With more than 80 establishments and 120 activities, children between the ages two and 14 can experience every detail of an adult life in an educational and entertaining environment. The international edutainment concept is created with the intention to impart knowledge through playful learning.“It is a safe, interactive and educational environment, where kids choose their own profession and wear the respective uniforms to perform the role. Led by a highly qualified and competent team of educators, Kidizens (citizens of KidzMondo) will learn the complexities of the adult world including its infrastructure, professions and the value of money, by simulating real life conditions,” KidzMondo says, “These fun and pedagogical activities are developed with the co-operation of local schools and the local Ministry of Education, to help educate children about good citizenship and life’s values.”Some of the options available for role play include those of a doctor, pilot, and barber. “Children will be attracted to go through the different establishments, while providing them with a mental and physical voyage of investigation, exploration and role play. “Led by a highly qualified team of more than 115 educators, Kidizens will learn the complexities of the adult professional world. At any point of time, nearly 800 children can be a part of this exclusive facility and experience various pedagogical activities that will educate them about good citizenship,” KidzMondo says.Certified by Kidproof and affiliated with IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), which is known for helping its members improve efficiency, marketing and safety along with providing them with workshop and training opportunities, the KidzMondo Doha facility is located in the country’s largest upcoming mall and will span across a built up area of about 8,000 sq m.KidzMondo’s mission is “to create safe avenues to develop and nurture the innate talents of youngsters, in addition to promoting social interaction among them in various areas of interest; to let them have fun while they learn and develop lifelong skills and successfully adapt to the professional adult world.” They say their vision is “to empower children with knowledge, essential skills and life-lessons in an entertaining way, and to help them become well-rounded individuals.”Interestingly, KidzMondo Doha has its own constitution since its ideas of equality, respect for all, and the rights for self-expression and creativity are essential. “As the children explore the world of KidzMondo, they will be learning valuable lessons in what it means to be a citizen ‘kidizen’, as well as civic and social responsibility, essential self-reliance, and fiscal maturity. These lessons will stay with them well into their adult life, and serve to prepare the future generation for the tremendous challenges that lie ahead,” says a note by KidzMondo.Sample some of the tenets of the “constitution”: All kidizens are equal and united in play. Kidizens have the right to be happy and free. Kidizens have the right to explore, discover and be curious about the world. Kidizens have the right to express themselves and be creative. Kidizens have a duty to help others where they can. Kidizens have a duty to protect nature and the environment.