Lucy Oliff, Co-Founder, Kivikoni School
“If we can build schools where everyone feels seen, rested, and alive — why wouldn’t we?

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Lucy’s Story.

When Lucy co-founded Kivukoni School in Kilifi, Kenya, she wanted to build a place where childhood could be celebrated, where learning felt alive, connected and full of wonder. What began as a small community initiative has since grown into a thriving school that has transformed local education, offering children the freedom to explore the world with curiosity and confidence.

Rooted in the belief that children learn best when they feel happy and engaged, Lucy has created an environment where shoes are optional, trees are classrooms and learning unfolds as part of the living world. Diversity and community are woven into every part of the school, from the multi-level fee structure that ensures inclusion, to the open gates that welcome parents, neighbours and local partners as part of the learning journey.

Through the Triple WellBeing® Fellowship, Lucy turned her focus inward, exploring how wellbeing can take root not only in students but also in teachers. Her action research introduced flexi-time at Kivukoni: giving every team member a half day each week to rest, reflect or take care of life’s essentials. The result has been transformative, greater energy, presence and joy across the community.

For Lucy, wellbeing begins with trust in ourselves, in one another and in the rhythm of life. Her work is a living example of how education can nurture balance: between structure and freedom, between head and heart and between the human and the natural world.

Listen to the full conversation with Lucy.

Episode Title
Stories of Triple WellBeing®
Wellbeing begins with trust. Trusting each other to do our best and trusting ourselves to pause.
— Lucy Oliff, Co-Founder, Kivikoni School, Kenya

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