The training doesn’t just prepare us to teach. It prepares us to inspire. — Christy · LEAP Educator
Christy’s journey with LEAP began long before she ever stepped into a classroom as an educator. As a primary school student, she participated in LEAP’s interactive lessons, guided by caring educators and accompanied by the familiar presence of Harold the Giraffe. Although the programme took place only once a year, its impact stayed with her. Later she was to realise how thoughtfully designed preventive education could shape not just what children learn, but how they grow.
That early experience planted a seed. Christy developed a deep love for children and a strong belief that education should go beyond the academic syllabus to support wellbeing, values, and life skills. These convictions eventually led her to pursue a career in education; returning to LEAP as an educator felt both natural and meaningful. She found herself deeply aligned with LEAP’s mission, values, and culture, stepping into a role that had once inspired her from the other side of the classroom.
At LEAP, Christy gained a renewed appreciation for the depth and intention behind educator training. Beyond lesson delivery, the training emphasises building trust, creating emotional safety, and forming genuine connections with students. “The training doesn’t just equip us to teach,” she says.. “It prepares us to inspire.” This approach has shaped how she engages with students, meeting them on their own terms, and creating space for curiosity and confidence to grow.
Some of Christy’s most rewarding moments come from watching students transform. Children who may have been initially disengaged slowly become curious, expressive, and involved. Even more meaningful are the times when students remember a concept or lesson a year later, quiet proof that learning grounded in care and relevance truly endures.
Christy also sees Harold the Giraffe as one of LEAP’s greatest strengths. Today’s students are more informed and technologically savvy than ever before, yet Harold continues to capture their hearts. As a consistent presence across programme themes, Harold embodies familiarity, warmth, and a sense of safety ── opening the door to honest conversations about health, emotions, and wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Christy hopes to see LEAP continue to grow and reach even more children. While preventive education may not always appear as eye‑catching as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or tech‑driven programmes, she knows its value runs deep. It is quiet, steady work: planting seeds early, shaping mindsets, and establishing foundations for life.
Christy’s journey from student to educator reflects LEAP’s lasting impact. It is a reminder that when we invest in children early, the influence can come full circle, inspiring the very individuals who will one day give back and carry our mission forward.
