Fazra Irfan of Footsteps together with five others have developed this unique concept in Early Learning incorporating international standards. Having concluded a Diploma in AMI from the Good Shepherd Maria Montessori Trainning Center, Sri Lanka and reading CACHE Level 3 UK, Bachelors in Early Childhood Education – Lincoln University – Malaysia, Fazra together with the other directors, Irfan Sadique, Farveez Marhroof – Sri Lanka’s national cap for Cricket, Muzni Sheriffdeen, Razana Muzni, and Hasna Maharoof, built up this business from scratch.
Diriya Stories is a series designed by Diriya.lk to relate stories of entrepreneurs in order to applaud and recognize them and also to inspire and encourage others.
Here we go with our 12 questions for Faze and the team:
Describe your biz
We wouldn’t call it a biz. It’s a service with a value. We are an Early Learning Center with international standards fostering young minds between the ages of 18 months to 5 years with hands – on learning experiences through a play based approach providing all children with a secure, caring, friendly, and a well stimulated learning environment.
When and where did the idea form
During our stints in the UAE and the latter part of 2018, my colleague Razana and I decided to venture on our own by bringing our experiences and exposures to Sri Lanka. We convinced Hasna to join us in making a difference. It is the best decision we’ve made.
The start
We are 6 partners from diverse professional backgrounds. Their expertise have added and continues to add immense value to this venture. This is surely one of our main reasons to succeed. We are privileged to have Mr: Farveez Maharoof as our director. Furthermore, no startup is easy without the help of family and friends. The support received from them is immeasurable. We commenced on the 7 th of September 2019. Our target for the 1 st quarter was 5 kids. We ended the year with 15 kids. Today we have an enrolment of 175.
Who inspired you or where did you draw strength from
Creating strong bonds with little children is paramount. Little do people know how rewarding it is to be around kids. Teachers are the only ones that make lasting impressions on students, and knowing that is the most inspiring of all. Not forgetting the great work places, colleagues, mentors and leaders who have given us such valuable insights on the importance of Education which led us to start up on our own in our country for our children. The strengths we would say is empathy, our own work ethics and proven track records.
Most difficult obstacle
The pandemic in 2020 and currently the economic turmoil. We have defied the odds and will continue to do so. Tough times don’t last forever!
Something nice some told you to spur you on or something you read
This is a difficult question. We cannot define as many people whom we have met on our journey have had nice things to say about us. Just one here –
“When working with Fazra and Razana Dubai, their love of learning and their willingness to challenge themselves was so evident. They secured excellent results for our school, that benefitted both the students and the teachers. Their commitment to the children in their care was apparent for all to see and they were loved by the children and their parents, who were able to see their children thrive under their tutelage. Both Razna and Fazra always demonstrated a keen desire for self-improvement through their dedication to their studies and willingness to learn from the best practice of those around them. I am thrilled that they have been so successful with Footsteps and extremely proud to have worked with them in Dubai.” – Janet Foley – Vice Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead
GEMS Founders School Dubai, Yasmine Dannawy, Queens University, Faculty of Education and Dimple Dham. Assistant Principal, GEMS Al Khaleej International School, Dubai had all very profound things to say about Footsteps.
How many people do you employ?
Currently, we are about 40 staff.
Any outsourced entities/person that benefit from your biz
Yes. Corporate entities that require our services in managing their staff crèches. Furthermore event organizers, stationary suppliers, home bakers, photographers, sports clubs, uniform suppliers and restaurants benefit from us on a regular basis.
In your opinion your most positive quality
Innovative and Passionate with a never give up attitude.
These qualities facilitated us to secure and bring home Asia’s most creative online and physical preschool Award for the year 2021- 2022 at the Asia Awards 2022
Yours or your biz drawbacks
I would say the ‘challenges’ faced in a rapidly changing environment. Facing them with grit is key.
Future plan
To expand our presence within and beyond.
Advise to start ups
Success does not occur overnight. Take small steps at a time. Patience is imperative, be brutally honest and genuine in everything you do.
We wish the Footsteps team the very best in their future endeavours.
We wish the Footsteps team the very best in their future endeavours.
If you are an entrepreneur and have a story to share please contact us on info@diriya.lk
Interested in reading more Diriya Stories, check out our post on Kushan Randeni.
