Bringing play-based learning to India.

Our Story

Papagoya is an extension of a life lived in Norway. Exposed to a very progressive Scandinavian way of life where women represent 40% of all Board seats, men take pride in going on Paternity Leave and toddlers grow to be confident, independent and gentle little people - created much intrigue over what is the key contributor to such a balanced scandinavian life. The common thread that allows for all of this to happen seamlessly, is the Norwegian Kindergarten. And so the thought, why can’t this be so, even in India?

Papagoya is our endeavour to create a safe and welcoming environment for children where they are met with the recognition and respect for who they truly are. It is our space where we can appreciate the intrinsic value of childhood. This is our effort at supporting working parents and particularly mothers, to pursue their ambitions and passions. Where we hope to encourage true gender equality and see more involved fathers. Papagoya is our long-term dream to influence early childhood practices in India. This is our way of making an impact, by creating an ecosystem that supports the new Indian parent and child.

Papagoya is now growing into a full school - with our parents being our biggest cheerleaders. Buying into the philosophy of play based learning and seeing their children be happy, joyful, curious, independent learners - the question they posed to us was, why not school? And thus started our journey of working and developing a curriculum for school that incorporated play at the heart of it but also balanced out the Indian cultural requirements of school. Our first cohort started mid pandemic in June 2020.

So, why Papagoya?

The name Papagoya is inspired by papegøye, the Norwegian word for Parrot. A parrot's character traits are amazingly similar to those of a children - they come in all shapes and sizes, love to imitate, are musical and colourful, they need environmental enrichment where play forms a large part of their learning, and they even walk with a rolling gait! Parrots are also highly intelligent birds and against common myth imitate the environment they are put in because of their superior intelligence, and hence need to be put in an environment that is enriching and worthy of imitation. Much like children, we thought. To our children, Papagoya means play. They eagerly arrive at Papagoya (we are not called “Kindergarten or School”) every morning to enjoy the day’s play and learning.

Helen Issar

Founder & Director

Helen comes from a family of passionate and strong educationists who’ve worked towards equity in education and ensuring children get a relevant and meaningful education. Papagoya is the marrying of her long term passion to work with children, her vision of making learning a joyful experience and her understanding of the support a woman needs to be able to don the hats of career woman & parent. Helen has over 17 years of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship and education. Having worked and lived in Norway & Denmark she witnessed how the Norwegian Barnehage program allowed women to get back to work and ensure a holistic development for their children, a concept she knew India could greatly benefit from. In the past, Helen has channeled her love of working with children through kids theatre workshops, travel clubs and nature camps.

Head of Programs

Pritika Joseph

My passion for working with children sparked while volunteering at a school in Kerala, where I realized how deeply fulfilling it was to be part of a child's world. Growing up as a quieter voice, I often felt overlooked, and that experience now drives me to make sure every child at Papagoya feels heard, valued, and encouraged to express themselves. As the Head of Programs, I love the process of creating a play-filled curriculum that embraces the unique interests of each child, making sure their voices are at the heart of all we do.

Head of Curriculum, Micro School

Ritika Shah

As a passionate educationist, my focus has always been on cultivating learning experiences that are both thought-provoking and engaging. I am committed to nurturing curiosity and a love for learning in every child. Leading the curriculum at Papagoya Micro School, I focus on designing an innovative, dynamic, and multidisciplinary approach that challenges and engages young minds.

Center Head and Culture & Philosophy Manager

Vinitha Chandran

I have always loved working with children, but it was after joining Papagoya that I truly realized my passion for early childhood education. Over the years, my journey here has been filled with endless learning and growth, both personally and professionally. Currently, I am the Centre Head at Papagoya Cambridge Layout, where I strive to create an inspiring environment for both children and educatorsgaged.

Head of Wellbeing & Additional Needs

Shonalli Ponnappa

As an additional needs educator, I was always driven by the curiosity about how children with additional needs adapt to our society, I am dedicated to fostering inclusion for children within schools. Currently, I serve as the Head of Additional Needs and Wellbeing across both the kindergarten and school at Papagoya.

Center Head

Ria Anandpara

I started my career working with children in a kindergarten before transitioning to support those needing extra help, eventually joining Papagoya as a Shadow Teacher. After a lot of learning and unlearning, I grew as an Early Childhood Educator, and I now serve as the Centre Head at Papagoya. In this role, I support my team with daily routines and guide them in navigating the groups they work with, while also collaborating with the leadership team. Working towards enhancing the employee value proposition has been especially fulfilling, as many of the things I once hoped for are now being realized.

News

Helen Issar honored and recognized by the UN and Ford Foundation

UN Women supported by the Ford Foundation launched a book called “Hum: when women lead” featuring 75 stories of women leadership in India. Our founder, Helen Issar was featured in this powerful anthology that chronicles the extraordinary journeys of resilient women across India and myriad ways women have challenged and reshaped societal norms, overcoming personal, communal barriers, with unwavering determination and courage.