HEI Schools Partners with Local Change-maker to Open the First Finnish Preschool in Mauritius

Port Louis, Mauritius – August 29, 2025 – HEI Schools Mauritius has officially opened its doors as the first Finnish early education center in the country – HEI Schools Mauritius Forbach. On August 29, the team hosted an opening ceremony to mark the beginning of their journey with 50 children enrolled for the first academic year. 

The new preschool represents a groundbreaking partnership between reputable local entrepreneur, –Rebecca Espitalier-Noël, and HEI Schools – a leading Finnish early education provider known for delivering the best of Finnish education through collaborations with local operators worldwide. This marks HEI Schools’ first branded preschool in the Southern Africa region.

Ms. Espitalier-Noël, a social entrepreneur recognized by Forbes for impact, has successfully led multiple innovative projects in Mauritius through her company FoodWise, started on this educational journey three years ago with a vision to change early childhood education in her community. Her dream became reality when she discovered HEI Schools’ innovative approach to bringing Finnish pedagogical methods to diverse cultural contexts.

“Three years ago, I had a dream to transform education in our community,” said Rebecca Espitalier-Noël. “I spoke with inspiring leaders around the world who were reimagining education, searching for the system that truly meets the needs of today’s children. Again and again, Finnish pedagogy emerged — innovative, research-based, and consistently ranked among the best in the world. When I discovered HEI Schools and their commitment to partnering with local leaders to bring Finnish education to new regions, adapting it to each culture and natural environment, I knew this was the right path forward for Mauritian families.”

The project began in the winter of 2023 and opened its doors September 2025 to the first cohort of families who believe in the quality of HEI Schools’ early education, rooted in Finnish educational philosophy. HEI Schools Mauritius at Forbach will serve as a pioneer center for bringing quality Finnish early education to local children. 

Photo collage: HEI Schools Mauritius Forbach, showing the heritage site and HEI-branded interior

The newly renovated HEI Schools Mauritius campus in Forbach is nestled within a stunning historical site, surrounded by lush natural beauty. The building has been renovated to incorporate the existing heritage with the lush green landscape, creating a unique, nurturing environment where children can flourish.

The opening ceremony was a great success, with more than 50 families enrolled their children at HEI Schools Mauritius in Forbach. This strong enrollment shows the community’s commitment to improving early education and marks an important moment for the area. The strong interest from local communities highlight a desire for world’s best education, such as that offered by Finnish education model.

Photo collage: Moments from the HEI Schools Mauritius grand opening on August 29, 2025

For enrollment details, please visit https://heischools.mu/