Liudmila Marochkina, CEO at DC Sport Soft, and director at CAPSBOLD shares the story behind creating an innovative educational ecosystem in Cyprus.
Driven by the challenges families face when relocating, Marochkina aimed to build more than just schools. ICan offers a supportive community that fosters holistic child development while easing the transition for parents.
In this interview for Future Media, she discusses her mission, the obstacles overcome in setting up the ecosystem, and the lasting impact on families. Marochkina also reflects on entrepreneurship, sharing insights on managing diverse ventures and finding the balance between business and family life.
What inspired the creation of ICan School and ICan Kindergarten?
ICan School was born out of a very real need. As families moved to Cyprus, they faced significant changes, and their children were entering a whole new world. Listening to their stories, it became clear they needed more than just a school; they needed a community that could support the entire family during this transition. The inspiration came from parents like myself, who wanted the best for their children. That’s how ICan came to life, offering a private kindergarten, school, extra courses, and camps to make the journey as enriching as possible.
Could you share the moment you realized there was a need for an ecosystem like ICan?
We noticed how challenging adaptation could be for families in a new country. This realization sparked the idea of building an educational ecosystem to help families integrate smoothly.
The Mission and Vision of ICan School
How does the mission of ICan School align with your personal beliefs about education and community?
The mission of ICan aligns deeply with my personal belief that education should go beyond academics. It’s about building a space where children can grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. My journey as a parent taught me the importance of creating environments that celebrate individuality and foster holistic development. ICan is a reflection of these values. It’s an ecosystem that nurtures not just the child but supports the entire family.
The ICan ecosystem emphasizes a connection to the real world and lifelong learning. Why do you think this approach is essential in modern education?
Modern education must prepare children for more than exams; it should equip them with skills for life. ICan emphasizes lifelong learning because we believe it helps children connect knowledge with real-world applications. This philosophy ensures they’re not just learning in isolation but developing the adaptability, confidence, and empathy needed to thrive in a complex world.
Challenges and Lessons from the Experience
What were the biggest challenges you faced in setting up ICan, particularly in a new cultural and geographic setting like Cyprus?
One of the biggest challenges was navigating the bureaucratic requirements of Cyprus. From obtaining licenses to securing permits for our facilities, the process was time-consuming and complex. Another significant hurdle was recruiting qualified staff in a small, competitive market. Finally, creating a cohesive ecosystem rather than a standalone school required us to think big and act decisively from the start.
How did you overcome these challenges, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?
Overcoming these challenges required adaptability and collaboration. For instance, we extended our hiring search internationally to find passionate educators aligned with our vision. Bureaucratic hurdles were tackled through persistence and building relationships with local authorities. Most importantly, these experiences reinforced the value of resilience and teamwork, which now form the core of ICan’s culture.
The Impact of ICan
ICan aims to support families and help them adapt to new environments. Can you share a story or example that illustrates this impact?
Sure. We had one interesting case. One day, when the weather was harsh, cold, rainy, and windy, a young child arrived at school completely soaked, shivering, and visibly unhappy. Like many families who had recently relocated, this child’s family relied on public transportation, braving the unpredictable weather to get to school.
The school staff quickly sprang into action. They comforted the child, provided warm clothes, and ensured they felt cared for and safe. Moved by the incident, the staff shared this experience with the school’s investor. Deeply empathetic and committed to the well-being of every child, the investor made a heartfelt decision.
Within just a few days, arrangements were made to introduce a school bus service. This bus would pick up children, ensuring they could travel to school warm, dry, and happy – no matter the weather. The decision not only eased the stress on parents but also reaffirmed the school’s mission to create an environment where children can thrive.
As the investor put it so beautifully: “I want every child in this school to grow up with a smile on their face.”
This small yet powerful act of kindness became a testament to ICan’s commitment to supporting families and creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and cared for.
How do you ensure that the ecosystem meets the needs of both children and their parents?
By fostering open communication through our custom school platform and offering programs that support both children’s and parents’ needs, we create a community-driven educational environment.
How does ICan integrate cultural diversity into its curriculum and ecosystem?
Our team has successfully embedded cultural diversity into the ecosystem, ensuring that every child feels included and can unlock their full potential.
Future Goals and Steps
Do you plan to expand the ecosystem to other countries or regions?
At this stage, we don’t have immediate plans to expand the ecosystem to other countries or regions. However, life is full of surprises, and we remain open to possibilities as opportunities arise. What we can promise with confidence is our unwavering commitment to supporting our employees. If the need arises, the company will go above and beyond to ensure their needs are met and their well-being remains a top priority.
As someone involved in multiple industries — education, marketing, tech, and recruitment — how do you manage such a diverse portfolio?
Managing such a diverse portfolio relies heavily on the strength of my team. I am fortunate to work with professionals whom I can trust and rely on, and who share my vision. This allows me to delegate tasks and focus on strategic development. We actively invest in their growth by offering opportunities for learning, international trips, and experience exchange. It’s essential to surround myself with people who can take responsibility and contribute to the success of our projects.
What drives you as an entrepreneur?
The opportunity to create meaningful, sustainable projects that positively impact communities.
How do you maintain your passion and creativity across all your ventures?
Continuous learning and celebrating team achievements keep me inspired and energized.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with ICan so far?
Building a supportive environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally is my greatest achievement.
If you could give advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, what would it be?
My advice would be to find your own approach to motivation. Each of us has different sources of inspiration. For example, I am inspired by travel and business trips, interacting with various people, and gaining new knowledge and experiences. Sometimes, it’s important to understand what truly motivates you and let those things fuel your efforts. Finding what recharges you and helps you move forward can be key to maintaining motivation.
As a parent and a businesswoman, how do you balance your family life with the demands of managing multiple businesses?
Yes, finding a balance between family life and business is always a challenge, but I try to make the most of the time I spend with my family. We travel together and enjoy walks. I support my child’s involvement in sports and creative activities. This helps create a harmonious space where I can devote time to both my family and my businesses, while also gaining energy from spending time with my loved ones.
