Tender Care International School Marks 40th Anniversary, Proprietor Reflects on Journey of Grace, Excellence, International Impact
The proprietor of Tender Care International School, Dorcas Olufunke Adedayo, in this interview with Hifox News, reflected on how the citadel grew from daycare to a competitive international learning institution seasoned with grace.
Looking back over the past 40 years, what are the most significant milestones Tendercare International School has achieved?
Tender Care International School’s journey started with Day Care, named SEDE Day Care, coined from my first daughter’s name, Abosede. Sede Day Care began in 1983 at 9 Fadare Street, Kosofe Mile 12.
In 1984, Tender Care International School started fully in Ajegunle. We operated from a four-flat apartment. The landlady was supportive of our vision and agreed to partner with us, offering her house rent-free while we covered all other expenses. However, as the school struggled financially and couldn’t generate immediate profits, she decided to withdraw her support and request for her money. Faced with the challenge of gathering funds to pay her and keep the school running, we persevered and managed to settle our debts, borrowing money with interest. Since then, we have started to think of a way out to break even that is why we moved to the city. In 1987, we moved from Ajegunle to Ogudu at Muri Folami Street. At Ogudu, the school started picking up to the glory of God. Eventually, we moved from Ogudu again in 1990 to Abebi Close off Olatunji Street in Ojota.
When the landlord sold his property, While in Ojota, we acquired acres of land from Rofo village at Odogunyan in Ikorodu through the help of Mummy Adesioye. We were able to get our permanent site with the help of Alhaja Tairu in Magodo Phase 1. In 2005, we moved to our permanent site when the landlady gave us a quit notice. This moment was made possible by the generosity of a kind benefactor. This new site marked a turning point for us, though it came with setbacks: majority of the children didn’t move with us and for the few who did, we had to cater to transport and uniforms, but through it all, it brought us stability and allowed us to expand our vision for Tender Care International School.
Reflecting on our journey, several milestones stand out. Establishing our first permanent site in Ogudu in 1993 was a turning point, facilitated by Alhaja Tairu’s generosity. Our move to Abebi Close, Ojota, marked a period of significant expansion. Surviving the financial challenges and relocating to Magodo, despite losing our site in Ojota, was a mark of our resilience. These achievements, along with the countless successes of our graduates, are testaments to our enduring commitment to quality education.
What was the original vision for Tendercare International School when it was established, and how has it evolved over the years?
The original vision for Tendercare International School stemmed from my passion for children, inspired by Mrs. Ogunjirin during my time in London. Initially, I was enrolled in a catering course, but upon learning about Montessori education, I changed my path. Our vision was to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child could realize their potential. Over the years, this vision has evolved to incorporate modern educational practices and technology, but our core mission remains the same: to provide an environment where each child can realize his or her potential within a caring and supportive community.
What were some of the major challenges the school faced in its early years, and how did you overcome them?
In our early years, we faced significant financial challenges and instability in securing permanent locations. Partners withdrew due to the lack of immediate profits, which forced us to rely on the support of individual loans with interest.
Our journey is truly a story of grace and absolute trust in God.
Can you share more about the educational philosophy and values that Tendercare International School upholds?
Our educational philosophy centers on holistic education, balancing academic pursuits with the overall development of each child. We uphold values such as integrity, respect, excellence, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Our mission is to provide a caring and supportive community where children can thrive academically, emotionally, socially, and morally. We believe in nurturing each child’s potential through a stimulating curriculum, creative teaching, and a focus on leadership, responsibility, and personal growth.
How has the school incorporated innovative teaching practices and technology into its curriculum over the years?
We have embraced innovation by integrating technology into our classrooms, TCB, and adopting modern teaching methods like blended learning. Our curriculum is regularly updated to meet international standards, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future. Our teachers undergo continuous professional development to stay abreast of the latest educational trends. We also invested in the use of interactive boards and projectors across all classrooms, using educational software and apps to allow teachers to create interactive lessons. We offer digital literacy programs, and integrated coding and robotics in our curriculum. Parental involvement and communication are also key, and we use platforms like 2simple and our designated school portal to showcase pupils’ work. This commitment to innovation helps us maintain a stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
In what ways has Tendercare International School impacted the local community and contributed to its development?
Tendercare International School has significantly impacted the local community by providing quality education and fostering a culture of excellence. We contribute to community development through outreach programs, scholarships, and partnerships with local organizations. Our school serves as a hub for community engagement, encouraging parents and local residents to participate in educational and cultural activities. We also foster a caring atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to be considerate and thoughtful towards others. Additionally, we offer amenities like a large football pitch, gym, and swimming pool, which many in the community take advantage of, further cementing our role as a central and supportive presence in the area.
Can you highlight some notable achievements of your alumni and how the school has prepared them for their future endeavors?
Our alumni have achieved remarkable success in various fields, including medicine, engineering, arts, and business. Many have pursued higher education at prestigious universities, both locally and internationally. Tendercare’s comprehensive education, which emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values, equips our students with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen paths. Their success is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
How important are cultural and extracurricular activities in your educational program?
Cultural and extracurricular activities are integral to our educational program. They play a crucial role in the overall development of our students, providing opportunities to explore interests, develop talents, and build important life skills such as teamwork and leadership. Our school offers a wide range of activities, from sports and arts to cultural clubs and community service. These activities help our students develop a healthy sense of cooperation and competition while enjoying their social, sporting, and cultural interests.
Our journey is truly a story of grace. Uncommon grace that came to us in unexpected ways—the grace that we didn’t deserve but we received, and we are not taking it for granted. In the beginning, our motto was ´Righteousness exalted a nation.´
When we moved to Ogudu, we changed our motto to “In God we trust,” and this belief has guided us through every challenge. From the early support of my dear sister and senior colleague who introduced the Montessori method to me. My landlady that withdrew her partnership Mummy Adesioye, who helped us to get acres of land at Rofo; Alhaja Tairu, who helped us to get the permanent site.
The Lagos Settlement Week, December 1-5 Week organized by Governor Fashola, bailed us out from exorbitant interests that had accrued. We have seen divine help at every turn.
There’s a slogan common to us at Tender Care:’Passionately learning and achieving success together,” This reflects our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for our pupils. Our mission is to bring out the best in every pupil, fostering a love for learning and helping them achieve their utmost potential.
God is helping us continue this story of grace as we do just that. It’s been a story of grace and a journey of ease, even in the midst of challenges. We have overcome, and we have never stopped trusting God.
