The Montessori Sports Summit 2025 Speaker Story

Faaiqah Hendricks

Founder of Darun Na’im
Over 20 years in Montessori Practice & Leadership

Faaiqah, the founder of Darun Na’im in South Africa, will share her powerful talk “Opportunity in our Hands: Making the Most of What We Have!”. The speech will be focused on being present, how we use what is available to us here, and recognizing the opportunities hidden behind the illusion of tomorrow!

Born to loving, understanding, ‘untrained’ parents in Cape Town, South Africa, who intuitively raised Faaiqah with a Montessori-aligned philosophy that followed her needs, an experience that, by its very nature, mapped her path in life. 

In her youth, Faaiqah spent 10 years training in martial arts, earning a first-degree black belt at the age of 21. The experience instilled patience, discipline, and confidence in her, qualities that continue to guide her both professionally and personally. 

Faaiqah has been involved in Montessori since participating in her first training in the year 2000, and founded their school Darun Na’im in 2006. She took her first AMI 3 to 6 teacher training in 2023 with BethAnn Slater and Jennifer Moore, a truly life-changing experience.

Over the years, her role has shifted from the classroom to leadership, and now she finds herself back in the classroom as the lead 3 to 6 guide, whilst simultaneously studying for her degree in psychology. 

Faaiqah’s journey in Montessori has been one of continuous learning and growth, with deep appreciation for the potential in every child and for the guidance of every mentor.
She believes in nurturing independence, curiosity, and kindness, both in the classroom and in life.

An impression of our summit speaker