How to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship in early learners

Ladybird Nursery, the curriculum-based Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nursery group, prioritizes sustainability in all aspects of its early education programs.

The group operates three campuses in Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah, and the recently launched Al Barsha, where they have implemented a range of eco-friendly activities as part of their Community Green Team (CGT) initiatives, aimed at engaging and educating young learners.

In line with the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ Ladybird Nursery is at the forefront of cultivating the next generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. Equipping early learners with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge, Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha has launched an organic garden at its purpose-built campus, where young children are actively involved in growing a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Through their Mini Chef program, the children are taught valuable life skills including nutrition and food safety, while also honing their math, science, literacy, and fine motor skills through the cooking process. Ladybird Nursery is committed to shaping a sustainable future by instilling a passion for entrepreneurship and environmentalism in the hearts and minds of its young learners.

The little environmental leaders are not only learning how to grow organic produce, but are also being encouraged to sell their harvests to parents and the wider community through the nursery’s Community Green Team. This initiative aims to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in these young learners from a very young age, equipping them with valuable skills that they can use to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Louisa McCormack, Principal of Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha said, “At Ladybird Nursery, we believe early learners hold the key to a sustainable future and have the potential to create a powerful ripple effect that will have a lasting impact on our planet. By inspiring our children to become sustainable entrepreneurs, we can help to build a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha is taking its commitment to sustainability to the next level with a month-long recycling challenge throughout April 2023. Young eco-friendly leaders will use recycled materials to create stunning artworks and structures, with parents invited to participate in the judging process as part of the Community Green Team (CGT) initiatives. The winners of the challenge will be awarded a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their outstanding efforts in sustainability.

In addition, Ladybird Nursery will also celebrate Earth Day on April 18 with a week-long schedule of exciting and engaging activities across all three campuses under the theme of ‘Protecting the Planet.’ These activities will include wearing green and blue clothing, an exploratory field trip to Green Planet for FS1 students, and a variety of other activities designed to foster a passion for environmental protection and inspire the next generation of sustainable champions.

“At the heart of our Community Green Team initiative is the recognition that sustainable entrepreneurship is beneficial for the environment and communities in which we live. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, this presents a huge opportunity for our children to embrace sustainable practices and find innovative ways to address environmental challenges, while pursuing their future careers. Children are the future of climate conservation, and as educators it is our duty to cultivate a sense of social responsibility in them towards the environment from an early age,” commented Monica Valrani, Montessori Directress and CEO of Ladybird Nursery.

For more information, visit the website