Faten Abdelrahman – Creating Trusted Childcare

Faten Abdelrahman is a dedicated business leader, entrepreneur, and mother whose passion for creating better opportunities for children has shaped her professional journey. As the Director of Wiggles n Wriggles Malta, she has built a respected organisation focused on providing safe, nurturing, and high-quality childcare environments for families across Malta. Her story is one of determination, vision, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children and their families. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Faten Abdelrahman as one of the 10 Distinguished Leaders Making an Impact in Europe, 2026.

The inspiration behind her journey came from her personal experiences as a mother of four children. While searching for childcare services for her own family, she struggled to find an environment that truly met her expectations. She wanted a place where children could feel safe, valued, and supported while parents could have complete peace of mind. When she could not find the level of care she envisioned, she decided to create it herself. What began as a personal mission soon developed into a growing organisation that now serves many families across the country.

When people feel valued and supported, they become the foundation of lasting success.

For Faten, leadership is about much more than business success. She believes that a distinguished leader should lead with integrity, purpose, and responsibility. In her view, leadership is about creating opportunities, building strong relationships, and ensuring that people feel valued. She understands that sustainable success comes from caring for both the people being served and the team members who help bring a vision to life.

One of her most significant achievements has been turning a simple idea into a thriving organisation. Since opening the first Wiggles n Wriggles centre in 2017, the organisation has expanded to four centres, with plans to open a fifth centre in Marsaxlokk. This growth reflects the trust families have placed in the organisation and the dedication of the team behind it. Beyond childcare services, she has also expanded her business interests through investments in property and development, creating a strong foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.

Like many entrepreneurs, Faten has faced challenges throughout her career. Building a business while raising a family required commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. There were moments that demanded difficult decisions and careful planning. However, she remained focused on her purpose and never lost sight of her goals. By surrounding herself with capable people, staying adaptable, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, she successfully navigated obstacles and continued moving forward.

Her organisation is making a positive impact by promoting high standards in early childhood education and care. The focus is not only on providing quality experiences for children but also on supporting families and educators. Faten believes that children thrive when they are surrounded by caring professionals who feel respected and valued. For this reason, she places great importance on creating positive working environments where staff members can grow professionally and personally.

One of the qualities that sets her leadership style apart is her strong focus on people. She recognises that employees are at the heart of every successful organisation. By fostering trust, communication, and mutual respect, she creates a workplace culture where team members feel empowered and motivated. She believes that when staff feel supported, they are able to provide the highest level of care and attention to the children and families they serve.

During difficult times, Faten stays motivated by remembering why she started her journey. Her children were the original inspiration behind her vision, and seeing the positive impact of her work continues to drive her forward. Whether it is helping children learn and grow, supporting parents, or creating opportunities for employees, she remains focused on the bigger picture. This sense of purpose helps her maintain resilience and optimism even when facing challenges.

Innovation also plays an important role in her work. She understands that continuous improvement is necessary for growth and success. From expanding childcare centres and improving learning environments to introducing better systems and exploring development opportunities, she believes innovation helps organisations evolve while staying true to their values. Her willingness to embrace change has been a key factor in the organisation’s ongoing success.

Great leadership is not measured by authority but by the trust, growth, and opportunities created for others.

Building a strong team is another area where Faten excels. She carefully selects individuals who share the organisation’s values and genuinely care about children and families. She also invests in supporting her staff and helping them develop their skills. By creating an environment where people feel appreciated and respected, she encourages loyalty, commitment, and professional growth.

Looking ahead, she sees several important trends shaping the future of the childcare industry. These include a stronger focus on quality early childhood experiences, greater collaboration between families and educators, increased attention to staff wellbeing, and a deeper understanding of children’s emotional and social development. She believes these areas will become increasingly important as the sector continues to evolve.

Balancing professional and personal responsibilities remains an important part of her life. Being both a mother and a business leader has taught her valuable lessons about prioritisation and self-care. She understands that maintaining personal wellbeing allows her to lead more effectively and continue making a positive impact in both her family and professional life.

As she looks toward the future, Faten remains committed to expanding her organisation while preserving the quality, trust, and values that have defined its success. With new centres, ongoing investments, and a clear vision for growth, she continues to build a lasting legacy that benefits children, families, and communities. Her journey demonstrates that when passion is combined with determination and purpose, it is possible to create meaningful change and inspire others along the way.

Success begins with a purpose, grows through consistency, and thrives through the positive impact created in people’s lives.