Achiever's Nest

Working couples have a very tough choice to make-- To be or not to be DINKS. This is unfair just because joint family support is no longer available to most of them. I am surprised some entrepreneur has not encashed this major demand as yet. I am not referring to day schools/centres which are not a pleasant experience for majority of kids. Why not give the kids a place they would love to spend unlimited fun time, PRODUCTIVELY.

Basic Concept: To replicate the joint family system minus its negative features. Children get brothers, sisters and other relatives which their parents cannot afford. Discipline is maintained within a club like enviorment. Academic needs of the child are fulfilled as well as creative and fun opportunities provided in plenty. Child grows in a safe and protected atmosphere with no one looking over his/her shoulder all the time. In short working couples have money to spend on their children but cannot give them what they need most-TIME. We have to not only give these children a home away from home, but also any emotional surroundings which nurture achievers. Yes, a truly a Achiever's Nest. The best joint family system were producing.

Let us visualise such a place together:

• The target group should be 5years to 15years. (flexible)
• Instead of ayahs and servants, we can employ children from lower middle class families who seek salesperson jobs in small shops. They already have experience of looking after siblings at home
• Groups of 6 kids (3 boys n 3 girls) are formed as a unit. Each unit given separate name/identity. This will fill the gap of brothers n sisters in today's nuclear family. Each unit would be like cousins of other units.
• Common dormitory layout for resting, studding and playing. Separate rooms provided for music and drama classes.
• Arrangements for assisting in home work and if necessary tutions can be made.
• Option for hobby classes and foreign languages would be a good idea.
• Install video cameras so that parents and other relatives can see the child enjoying him/her self and also speak to him/her if they so desire
• Build a rain dance enclosure as children love water.
  

Revenue streams:

1. Basic fee plus extra for activities opted
2. Looking after children for short duration when parents have to attend to urgent commitments.
3. Allowing non-resident children for attending hobby/foreign language/tuition classes.(depending on space availability)
4. Taking in children of parents doing night shifts as the space is not being utilised and such parents would prefer a safe place rather then leaving children alone or with friends.
5. Renting rain dance facility to families on Sundays/holidays and slots when resident children have gone home.

In conclusion, what I have started above is only a bare outline. It can be developed with creativity, as i have done for my satisfaction. The concept has potential to spread as a chain, locally and nationally. The Working Couple is doing a great job single handedly against all odds. They deserve all the help we can give so that they decide not to be DINKS. I wish I had the financial strength to implement my idea.