HFSE International School was established after an incident of adversity. In 2014, Expats Ninalyn and Gary Cacananta were unable to secure a slot for their son Gabriel in a local school in Singapore. This endangered the family’s aspiration to remain together despite the difficulties that accompany living abroad. Since moving overseas in 2009, the start of a dream to build the best future for their family, they have faced constant struggle. Despite the odds, the couple would not trade their decision for anything, holding close to their faith that everything happens for a reason and that God’s plans will become known in time.

In 2015, Ninalyn, by then a homeschooler and work-at-home mom, had an epiphany. They weren’t the only Filipino family to experience the same frustration and predicament. Confronted by the failure to acquire slots in local schools, many parents have been forced to live apart from their children. Hence, the idea of a solution was born – a support centre advocating for homeschooling. A place that can keep expat families together by providing standard educational needs. Ninalyn, with immense support from her husband Gary and encouragement from her friend Grace, took a leap of faith and stepped up to provide that much-needed help.

Uprooting the family and raising children overseas is a daunting and challenging task, made even more difficult and complicated when both parents are working. A strong support system for the children’s education is one considerable worry off parents’ shoulders. This is what you can find at Happy Family.