Coming from a family of teachers, perhaps this calling was always a part of me. My mother and my aunt were both teachers, and education was woven into the fabric of our home. Little did I know that one day I would have the opportunity to build a school of my own.

With the invaluable support and encouragement of Mrs N Mordani, we began to imagine what Happy Feet could become. There were countless conversations, plans, ideas and, eventually, the courage to turn those ideas into something real. But every dream needs someone who believes in it as deeply as you do — for me, that person has always been my husband, my greatest strength and my constant support.

Together, we spent nearly a year bringing Happy Feet to life. There was a special poignancy in building the school on the very grounds where my mother had once dreamt of creating a school of her own. In many ways, Happy Feet became the beautiful continuation of a dream that began with her.

We poured our hearts into every detail — from the design of the classrooms to the indoor and outdoor play spaces. We wanted every corner to invite curiosity, imagination, movement and joy. We weren’t simply constructing a school; we were creating an environment in which childhood could be celebrated.

I have always believed that a child should look forward to coming to school. A school should be much more than a place where lessons are taught. It should be a place where children feel known, heard, cherished and safe. To me, Happy Feet is a child’s second home — a place where little feet can wander, little hands can create, little minds can question, and little hearts can feel secure.

And learning flourishes best when it is surrounded by warmth, encouragement and love. That belief has been the foundation of Happy Feet from the very beginning.