How it all began – The history of the Bambini Learning Center
The story of the Bambini Learning Center – My Passion Project
As a mother of three children, I spent a long time looking for suitable childcare and fun activities for my children. But despite an intensive search, I couldn’t find anything that was really child-friendly and met my needs and expectations. The famous children’s gymnastics class took place in a gym for high school students—with no changing facilities, no toilets for children, and, as is often the case in schools, no soap or towels. Was I supposed to do sports here with my 18-month-old daughter? I didn’t like it at all, but there was no alternative.
So I decided to do it myself. I wanted to incorporate all the positive experiences I had gained abroad into my own concept and offer something that really meets the needs of children and parents. Every big dream begins with a first step, and for me that step led to Vienna, where I first began my training as a children’s fitness and movement trainer – full of enthusiasm and the unshakeable will to build something great.
My big idea began in a small, light-filled room. As I had always had a deep passion for early childhood education and holistic development of children, it wasn’t difficult for me to develop my first concepts and let my daughter try them out. I dreamed of a
place where children are not only cared for, but also inspired and lovingly guided – a place where curiosity, creativity, and collaborative learning take center stage.
The beginning of my Dream
I realized early on that the first years of a child’s life are crucial for their development. My experience in educational work showed me how important it is to have an environment that offers both security and stimulation. Driven by this conviction, I took the bold step of founding the Bambini Learning Center in Hanover in 2006.
It began with a clear vision: to create a place of learning that is tailored to the individual needs of children, introduces them to new experiences in a playful way and at the same time promotes their independence. With a lot of commitment, attention to detail and an unshakeable belief in my concept, I set about implementing it.
A home for Little Explorers
The Bambini Learning Center grew quickly—not only in terms of space, but above all in the hearts of the children and their families. From the very beginning, the focus was on creating an inspiring environment that allowed children to develop freely. Whether on the movement landscape, in the creative area, or in the children’s kitchen, there was always something to discover and try out.
But playful learning wasn’t the only thing that mattered. It was always important to me that social skills and emotional intelligence were also encouraged. I carefully put together my team of educators, who not only had professional expertise but also a passion for what they did.
Community and Family at the Core
From the very beginning, the Bambini Learning Center was more than just an educational institution—it was and still is one big family. I have always been interested in what kind of support parents need to best balance family and work life. Regular parties, workshops, and joint activities strengthened the sense of community and made the Bambini Learning Center a real second home for many families.
Growth and Future
Over the years, the Bambini Learning Center continued to grow steadily. New ideas were developed, the range of services expanded, and the educational concept continuously refined. Throughout, I remained true to my guiding principle: education with head, heart, and hands. My commitment and love for children and their development remain the foundation of the center to this day.
This growth would not have been possible without my fantastic team and the inspiring people who have accompanied me on my journey. They have provided valuable input with their ideas and shared their energy and passion for working with children with me. Without them, such development and size would never have been possible.
In 2021, the Bambini Academy was founded, adding another project close to my heart. Here, too, children who are not enrolled at the Bambini Learning Center can discover and develop their skills in a playful and practical way in a variety of afternoon courses.
Today, the Bambini Learning Center is not only a place of education, but also a place of warmth, security, and trust. A place where up to 105 babies and children are cared for every day, where they can play, learn, and develop their individual skills. A place where they laugh, gain new experiences, and discover the world with open eyes—exactly as I always dreamed it would be.
A project close to our hearts that will endure – for the children, for the future.
Manuela Wellenzohn
(Founder & Managing Director)