Lina Ashar, our Chairperson, is a global pioneer in children’s education. Propelled by her vision, Kangaroo Kids Education Ltd (KKEL) has become a leading education chain that is changing the way kids learn by introducing innovative learning strategies, fun-filled activities and an engaging curriculum. Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Victoria College, Melbourne, Lina came to India in 1993 with a dream of making a much needed difference in the field of education. However, as a teacher in Mumbai, it did not take her long to understand the limitations of the existing education system. Her conviction in the need for change led to the establishment of her first preschool in Bandra (Mumbai) in 1993, with only 25 students. Today KKEL is a renowned educational group with 80 plus schools across 17 different cities in India as well as two in Dubai and one in Maldives, and is still growing. The schools include Kangaroo Kids (Playschool, Nursery, Junior & Senior KG) Billabong High International School (Grades 1 to 12) and its newest affiliate, Brainworks.

Over the past 15 years, Lina and her team's consistent efforts have enabled them to identify the shortcomings of the prevalent 'learn by rote' methods, which teach subjects in isolation and without relating them to the students’ world outside the classroom.

In stark contrast to rote learning, the teaching methods pioneered by KKEL include action-based learning, experiential and integrated learning systems. KKEL is recognized for its revolutionary yet effective teaching methodologies, student-centric learning processes and dynamic curriculum.

Lina Ashar’s vision for KKEL is to develop every child holistically: emotionally, physically, psychologically, socially and of course, intellectually. It is to make them better team workers, prepare them to adapt to changing circumstances and become emotionally resilient individuals, empowered to deal with life’s challenges in a mature and persevering way. The learning methods ensure that children develop a lifelong love for learning and become thinking individuals.

Not surprisingly, Lina's views are sought after for inputs on innovative education by various magazines. Many accolades have come her way too. Recently, Education World magazine recognised her as one of the top leaders redefining Indian education, a testimony to her vision that learning can be fun yet effective.

Click here to see “Message from the chairperson”

Click here to view Lina's achievements.