United by Purpose: David Coakley

Over recent months, our absolute priority as an organisation has been the wellbeing, safety, and support of our people. During an exceptionally challenging period for many across our community, we remained steadfast in our belief that people must always come first. At the same time, we remained deeply committed to our core purpose, continuing to provide a world-class education for every student across our schools. As GEMS Education continues its journey to become one of the most impactful organisations in the world, we are clear that our success will always be built on how we care for, support, and empower our people. 

Throughout the conflict, we have worked closely across our schools and central teams to ensure colleagues were supported with flexibility, wellbeing resources, practical assistance, and regular communication wherever possible. Considerable focus was placed on providing meaningful wellbeing support and ensuring colleagues had access to the guidance, resources, and understanding they needed during a highly uncertain period. From monitoring travel and return arrangements for staff, to responding sensitively and compassionately to individual circumstances where additional support was required, the response across the organisation reflected the very best of GEMS. At every stage, our focus remained on supporting our people, while ensuring stability and continuity for students and families across our schools. 

In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding commitment shown by our teachers and wider school-based colleagues during what has been a difficult and uncertain time for so many. Despite the challenges, they continued to deliver an exceptional educational experience and provide reassurance, stability, and care to students and families every single day. Their professionalism, resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to children and learning has been truly exceptional. Teachers remain at the very heart of our organisation, and we are immensely proud of and grateful for everything they continue to do for our communities. 

I would also like to acknowledge the leadership shown by our Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, whose people-first approach has guided our response throughout this period. His clear focus on ensuring colleagues were supported with empathy, flexibility, and understanding set the tone for the organisation from the outset. I would also like to thank our senior leadership team, particularly our Group CEO, Dino Varkey, for leading with compassion and ensuring that supporting our people remained central to every decision taken. 

While we all hope that the most difficult days are now behind us, our commitment to the wellbeing of our people will remain unwavering. We will continue to listen, support one another, and place a strong emphasis on the health, wellbeing, and resilience of colleagues across the organisation. The strength of GEMS has always been its people, and during this period that has never been more evident. 

Warm regards, 

David Coakley 
Senior Vice President – HR

NEW INITIATIVES

Resilient Individual Series  
Mental Health Awareness Challenge  
United in Motion – Fitze Challenge  
Wellbeing Hub Resources 

Building Resilience Together – Insights from our Head of Learning & Development 

A Conversation with Agata Perepeczko 

As part of our commitment to supporting colleagues during a period of uncertainty, GEMS launched a range of wellbeing initiatives designed to provide practical guidance, reassurance, and support to staff across the organisation. 

In this special feature, we speak with Agata Perepeczko, Head of Learning & Development, about the thinking behind these initiatives, the importance of prioritising wellbeing, and the role we all play in creating supportive and resilient communities. 

From the launch of the Wellbeing Hub and dedicated wellbeing resources to workshops, webinars, and opportunities for reflection, Agata shares how GEMS has worked to ensure colleagues have access to meaningful support when they need it most. 

She also discusses the importance of staying connected, looking after ourselves and others, and carrying these positive wellbeing practices forward as we return to face-to-face learning and working. 

This conversation serves as a reminder that wellbeing is an ongoing journey, and that by supporting one another, we continue to strengthen the culture of care that sits at the heart of GEMS.