MUMBAI: When play meets purpose, the result is a lesson for life. That’s exactly what KidZania Mumbai delivered as 13,705 students from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corp (NMMC) schools embarked on a thrilling, interactive journey into the world of professions. Over 10 days from 20-29 January 2025, kids from grades two to five explored careers ranging from doctors to journalists, chefs to pilots, all while learning vital skills for the future.

The massive school engagement program was orchestrated by NMMC, deputy commissioner for education department, Sangharatna Khillare.

The aim? To use KidZania’s real-world role-playing activities as a fun and immersive way to teach financial literacy, teamwork, problem-solving, and career exploration.

“Experiential learning is the cornerstone of shaping young minds,” said Khillare. “KidZania’s platform allows children to not only engage with different professions but also to gain essential life skills in a creative, hands-on way.”

KidZania India, chief business officer, Tarandeep Singh Sekhon added, “It’s fantastic to see so many young minds so excited about learning through play. Our goal has always been to provide an environment where kids can have fun while developing important life skills. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to making learning both engaging and impactful.”

From firefighting to journalism, kids got to role-play a variety of careers, stepping into the shoes of professionals and gaining firsthand experience in a safe and stimulating environment. The large-scale visit reinforced the power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of creativity, curiosity, and teamwork in real-world scenarios.