Ms. ZOE GISELLEROBBINS

For the past 15 years, Zoë Robbins has dedicated
herself to teaching kindergarten at the free village
school run by Sri Narayani Peedam near Vellore,
South India. She is a passionate early childhood educator who has been greatly inspired by the Montessori method of education, holding certification in
Early Childhood and Montessori teaching, as well as
a diploma in Child Psychology.
In a world where success is often measured by material wealth and personal achievements, Zoë Robbins
stands as a shining example of someone who chose a
different path—a path of service and making a difference in the lives of others. Zoë embarked on her
extraordinary journey of volunteer service in 2006,
leaving behind her government job in Australia to
dedicate herself to serving the local community and children of Thirumalaikodi.
It all began when she first visited Sri Narayani Peedam, a spiritual and charitable institution founded
by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. Narayani Peedam, also known as the home of the Sripuram
Golden Temple, is not only a place of spirituality and community service but is also a spiritual haven
for seekers from across the globe. Struck by the successful social welfare programmes that the organisation had established in the area, Zoë felt a strong personal calling to do something more significant
with her own life. After being invited to stay on and do social service as a volunteer, her decision to
leave her stable pharmacy career was met with surprise by her friends and family — but Zoë was
determined to follow her heart.
Zoë’s primary focus has always been to serve the local community in whatever ways she can. After
spending two years involved in different service projects run by the organisation, in 2009 she began
her teaching career by joining the small nursery school within the premises of the Peedam.
Zoë is extremely passionate about the Montessori method of education and was inspired to implement this pedagogy early on in her teaching, along with music, dance and other hands-on learning
activities. What sets Zoë apart as a teacher is her unwavering dedication to the long-term development of her students. She strongly believes in creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, where all children feel valued and empowered to explore their full potential.
Apart from teaching, Zoë is continuously involved in many other spiritual, cultural and social service
programmes in the community. She is also a talented devotional singer, singing in several Indian
languages and composes her original bhajans in Sanskrit.
In an era where personal achievements often take precedence, Zoë’s story serves as a reminder that
true fulfilment comes from making a difference in the lives of others. She may have left her pharmacy
career behind, but what she has gained in return is immeasurable. The smiles on the faces of the
children whose lives she transforms, the gratitude of the community she serves, and the sense of
fulfilment she experiences are the rewards of a life dedicated to selfless service

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