Opportunity: Leisure & Education it. In 2008, I left work to run our first sKids site at Halsey Drive School in Lynfield. In 2011 we bought our second site at May Road School in Mt Roskill, and Ferdilin left his job to join me. Next came Viscount School in Mangere and Hay Park School in Mt Roskill. ‘What drives us most is a burning passion to play an active role in the development of 5 to 13 year-olds. Ferdilin and I are also proud to have helped deliver sKids’ Foodstorm programme, where kids can cook up a storm while learning about healthy eating. During the lockdown, Foodstorm has been interactive online and often involves the whole whanau, which has been great for everyone.’
Strength and value
love kids? LOVE SKIDS sKids franchisees love making a difference in the lives of children and their families
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urity and Ferdilin Misquitta have found the key to feeling forever young – owning a sKids franchise. In fact, they feel so good about it, they now own four! ‘Since owning our first sKids business, we have come home every day filled with happiness at the difference and impact we are having on children’s lives,’ smiles Purity. ‘Even during lockdown, when we were running Zoom sessions, we found ourselves smiling at the end of the sessions from seeing kids and their whanau go from bored (and often stressed) to happy and motivated. It keeps us feeling forever young.’ The couple are among 50 franchisees who operate 130 sKids (Safe Kids in Daily Supervision) centres at schools throughout the country, offering before- and after-school care, cooking and music lessons, and school holiday programmes. There are also 50 company-owned centres, some of which may be available to new franchisees looking for an established business.
Find your passion Purity, formerly an airline cargo supervisor and Ferdilin, an advertising and marketing executive, emigrated from India to New Zealand with their young daughter Liandra in 2002. As they were both working, when Kiwiborn son Ethan needed care, a friend who was already a sKids franchisee invited them to take a look. ‘The moment we visited sKids, we decided it would be a cool business to own,’ says Purity. ‘In India, we had organised church youth groups doing cooking and artwork, and loved franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
‘In fact, the pandemic has really proved the strength and value of the franchise. That first lockdown, franchisees reached out to support each other and the franchise ran weekly open forums, using the time to upskill our teams and provide technical advice. As a result, we came through stronger than ever – then, aware there would probably be more Covid lockdowns, the franchise continued to develop online programmes, many interactive and some free to all kids. ‘They also encouraged us to come up with our own initiatives. Ferdilin, who is mad keen on sports, came up with a Spell Your Name Workout Challenge, where each letter of the alphabet had an associated exercise. If your name’s Rod, you’d do 10 skaters (R), 10 Russian twists (O) and 20 high knees (D). Families were invited to send in videos of their exercising to win prizes. We also ran footpath chalk art competitions and scavenger hunts, as well as story times.’
Everyone needs to know Aimee Peterken can vouch for the success of sKids. Now the franchise’s marketing and communications manager, she’s a former sKids mum herself. With 17 years in marketing management roles, Aimee says that not only did sKids enable her to pursue her career ambitions: it helped her 14-year-old son to be the fine young man he is today.
‘As a working single mum, it was essential I find an after-school care solution that would contribute to my son’s development as a person,’ explains Aimee. ‘sKids was definitely the right choice: the people there were great role models, and always a positive influence on helping my son develop his social skills. I was so impressed with sKids’ education, health and wellbeing programmes that I often asked myself why everyone didn’t know about the difference they make to kids? Parents and caregivers need to know that sKids is not just some babysitting service, but dedicated to developing their child in all sorts of fun, interesting and challenging ways.’
The backing to support you Following its recent acquisition by the highly-respected Junior Adventures Group, sKids is part of a global family. ‘This brings greater stability for the sKids brand and access to even greater resources, systems and expertise,’ says Aimee. ‘During these uncertain times, it ensures that sKids has the backing to continually grow and build upon its strengths within the New Zealand market. ‘As we move beyond the lockdown strategy, sKids is once again in high demand – and that means opportunities for new franchisees. An investment of around $38,500 +gst includes full training and ongoing support.’ sKids has franchises available throughout the country: some wellestablished sites and other new areas waiting for the right person. ‘As Purity and Ferdilin have proved, you don’t always need experience,’ says Aimee. ‘Just be passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and enhancing their development, be success-driven and able to lead a team. Contact us to find out more.’
Advertiser Info
Safe Kids in Daily Supervision www.skids.co.nz Contact Chris Bartels National Business Development Manager M 021 974 221 P 0-9-576 6602 P 0800 SKIDSBIZ 0800 754 372 chris@skids.co.nz
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