Renowned global pre-school chain, Safari Kid, headquartered in California, has unveiled its latest strategic move by appointing edupreneur veteran Jitendra Karsan as the new Chairman for its India operations. In his capacity, Jitendra Karsan will not only oversee day-to-day operational activities but also guide the organization’s overarching strategic initiatives. This pivotal appointment coincides with Safari Kid’s momentous eight-year milestone in India, as per an official statement.
“Safari Kid India’s former leader, JK, is a notable figure in early education. Reuniting to lead India and other potential markets was a natural step, given his previous tenure with Safari Kid India. His profound insights into early education equate to perceptive foresight for Safari Kid’s future business expansion. Our long-standing association across various capacities has consistently yielded positive outcomes, and I am optimistic about our journey in India,” commented Shy Mudakavi, Founder and Global CEO of Safari Kid Global.
As global pre-schools make inroads into India and domestic entities extend their presence to cities beyond tier one locations, the prospect of early education is primed for increased adoption. Insights from the IMARC Group project a substantial value of US$ 7.3 billion for the preschool and childcare market by 2028, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2023 to 2028. These statistics underscore the industry’s upward trajectory, affirming its resilience and growth potential.
“Safari Kid, despite its limited number of Indian preschools, resonates as a household name due to its aspirational value and parents’ confidence in its pedagogy and purpose-driven preschools. With support from investors and franchisees, we are set to contribute to nurturing young minds and leaving an enduring mark on India’s preschool sector and the global landscape. While we hail from the U.S., our strong Indian identity is reflected in our founder and a substantial portion of top management,” stated Jitendra Karsan, Chairman of Safari Kid India.
Safari Kid India’s ambitious blueprint encompasses the launch of 50 preschools by 2028, with 20 scheduled for inauguration by March 2024. This strategic expansion plan entails an investment of 100 crores in the early education sector, reinforcing Safari Kid’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and holistic development in India.