We are a warm and welcoming space where children and adults, with any level of Persian can feel included and have fun. We use different forms of art, such as music, painting, theater and dance, to enhance your curiosity and facilitate learning.
Our community is made up of families with mixed heritages who are looking to connect with their Persian roots and learn to speak Farsi.
We strongly believe in delivering a brain-based program that follows the latest research on learning and use experienced teachers and professional artists to realize our vision. Our curriculum is inspired by Montessori and Waldorf philosophy, making it immersive and multi-sensory to meet every learner’s needs.
Fereshteh Bagherimiyab Hunkeler is the President and Founder/Executive Director of the Bolbol School Zurich. Fereshteh has a PhD in Environmental Engineering from EPFL in Switzerland and a Post Doctorate in Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo, Canada. As an Environmental Scientist, she wanted to do something meaningful, to create sustainable changes and to make this world a better place.
Fereshteh’s international life led her to appreciate the diversity in the world and the importance of preserving her heritage. Fereshteh introduced her Swiss husband and daughter to formal Farsi lessons at the Parsayan School in Lausanne and soon joined the school as Board member and Co-Director. In 2018 she moved to Zurich and founded Parsayan School Zurich as there were no Persian classes in her area. Soon Fereshteh’s vision broadened to include more cultural elements such as music, theater and art. She valued lessons that are founded on current pedagogical methods. This new vision deserved a new name, a new mission, a new school. Bolbol School was unveiled in 2021.
Leily Zarian is the member of the Bolbol School Zurich. Leily is a Coach and Organizational Development Consultant. She has an Advanced Master’s degree in Cognitive and Intercultural Psychology from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. She is a Certified ICA/ICF Coach who is passionate about helping people and organizations reach their full potential and succeed.
Leily is passionate about Persian art and literature and has joined Fereshteh in creating a space that encompasses all the different facets of Persian culture. A space that allows transnational families to bridge their culture gaps.
Shahrooz Aziminia is the Curriculum Development Director. Shahrooz grew up among international students in Switzerland and moved to the US over 20 years ago. She received her BA in Psychology from Drew University and is an AMS certified Montessori educator. She has over 20 years experience as a Montessori teacher and has developed various Enrichment Programs, Curriculums and led teacher and parent trainings. She continues to grow in her field by staying current on the latest research in child development and brain science. Shahrooz is excited to join Fereshteh and Leily at Bolbol School Zurich and their mission to create a space where learning is fun and inspiring.
Fereshteh, originally from Mashhad, has been residing in Switzerland since 2012. Her academic background is in computer science, but her life took a turn when she became a mother to her daughter. This life-changing experience sparked her interest in working with children. She has discovered a passion for connecting with kids and loves teaching them new things, particularly about Persian culture and language from her homeland.
Fereshteh is thrilled to be part of the exceptional and innovative environment of Bolbol School, where she can play the role of a teacher, giving her students the opportunity to explore Iranian culture through interactive games and captivating stories.
Neda was born in Tehran, Iran. She received her Bachelor in teaching English as a foreign language and her Master in Linguistics (the study of languages) from Tehran Azad University. Teaching is her passion. Neda has years of experience as a teacher in both public and private schools in Iran. Through her Master study, she developed her interest in comparative linguistics (the study of similarities and differences between languages) which was her important motivation to become a Persian language teacher for children and adults in Switzerland. Neda is delighted to share her professional expertise with Bolbol School students.
Armin was born in Rasht, Iran. He is an acoustician and a music enthusiast. Armin plays several Persian percussion instruments and classical guitar. He has been an active amateur musician, playing and singing in different bands, as well as teaching tombak and guitar. He has been living in Switzerland since 2017. Armin speaks German, English and Farsi.
Design by Studio Mellli I 2021 & Developed by kirranbatool