What gave you the vision and motivation to create Magic Steps Childcare Centre?

Magic Steps Childcare Centre was born from a passion for nurturing young minds and creating a stimulating, safe environment for their growth. The vision stemmed from recogniisng the critical role early childhood education plays in shaping future generations. We were driven by the desire to provide a holistic learning experience that fosters creativity, curiosity and social development. Our motivation lies in empowering children with a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life ahead.

Where does your passion for children's education come from?

The passion for children's education that fuels Magic Steps Childcare Centre traces back to its founders, me, Victoria Sultana and Abdullahi Adeshina Ige. During 2012 we kicked off with a small childcare centre at Gharb, with a capacity of only 17 children, which I was running on my own. In 2016 Abdullahi joined in and we established a partnership and launched Magic Steps in Xewkija. The name Magic Steps encapsulates its belief in the transformative power of education and caregiving. Beginning humbly, it has grown into a remarkable enterprise, setting new standards in childcare. With a dedicated team of 24 staff and 145 enrolled students, the centre witnesses daily participation of 77 children. In my role as one of two directors, I also serve as a senior lecturer at MCAST in Early Childhood Education, Level 4 (Diploma Programme) and Level 6 (Degree Programme).

You came in with the most votes and you won several prestigious awards from the Gozo Business Awards. Congratulations! What does this all mean to you, especially being judged as the Bes Female Entrepreneur in Gozo for 2023?

Winning the prestigious Gozo Business Awards, including the title of Best Female Entrepreneur in Gozo for 2023, is an incredible honour and a testament to the dedication and hard work poured into Magic Steps Childcare Centre. It's a recognition of the vision and effort that went into building an educational haven for children. Being acknowledged by the industry underscores the impact we are making in early childhood education. This award reinforces my commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for children and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in our educational pursuits.

Can you tell us what are the awards you have won and what impact this will have on you, on your team and on your organisation?

Magic Steps Gozo has been awarded with Gozo's Best Childcare centre of the Year, Gozo's Best Local Positive Impact on a Childcare Environment, Gozo Excellence in Development and Improvement of Childcare knowledge and Skills and Gozo's Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

Awards validate hard work, boost morale nd motivate teams. They enhance credibility, building trust with stakeholders within my organisation. Awards attract top talent and inspire a culture of continuous improvement, setting a standard for excellence and encouraging growth.

What do you feel could be done in society and in education to increase female leadership?

To enhance female leadership, society and education need policies eliminating biases and fostering gender equality. Encouraging girls early on, providing equal opportunities in education and showcasing female role models through diverse curricula are vital steps. Tailored mentoring and leadership programmes, along with fair workplace policies like equal pay and work-life balance, support women in leadership roles. Addressing stereotypes through awareness campaigns and promoting diversity is essential, necessitating collective efforts from individuals, organisations and governments for a more equitable society.

What trends do you see in terms of women's working lives, what they can aspire to and what opportunities are there for women if they decide to work outside the home?

In recent years, we have witnessed significant trends in women's working lives, offering a broader spectrum of opportunities and aspirations beyond traditional roles. Women today have greater access to education and are increasingly represented in various fields, from Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to leadership positions. The push for gender equality has paved the way for more inclusive workplaces, flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance. Women can now aspire to diverse careers, entrepreneurship and leadership roles, challenging societal norms and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive workforce. The evolving landscape presents promising prospects for women who choose to work outside the home.

What are your greatest lessons learned in building your business?

The journey of building a childcare business has imparted valuable lessons. Firstly, understanding the importance of a child-centric approach is fundamental; tailoring services to cater to children's unique needs and interests is key. Secondly, forging strong connections with families and the community is vital for trust and growth. Lastly, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, focusing on every child's development, sets the foundation for a successful childcare business. These lessons underscore the significance of empathy, adaptability and genuine care in this industry.