Happy Father’s Day! Today, we honor the fathers, grandfathers, guardians, and father figures whose love, guidance, and sacrifices help shape the lives of children everywhere. Fatherhood is not only about providing for a family; it is about being present, teaching valuable lessons, offering encouragement, and creating memories that last a lifetime. So, on this special day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and warm wishes to all fathers across the world.
At Little Hearts, Father’s Day has become a meaningful tradition, especially for our beloved dad, Tony. Every year, the children find creative ways to surprise him, and this year was no exception. They decided to combine two important things they have been learning throughout the year: STEM education and cooking.
The celebration began with the children showcasing their STEM projects, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate not only their knowledge but also their growing confidence in public speaking.
The first group, led by Malee, together with Vandeth, Lisa, Jules, Chrissy, and Dalin, presented an Automaton Shark Project. This fascinating mechanical model used gears, cams, and steel wire to imitate the swimming motion of a shark. Through this project, the children learned how engineering principles can be used to create movement and bring ideas to life.
The second team, led by Olivia with Micky serving as co-leader, alongside Ben, Bunrath, Naomi, Sammy, and Maya, introduced a project called EcoSpin Energy Saver. Their presentation highlighted the importance of renewable energy through a model windmill, miniature solar panels, and an eco-friendly electric car. They also demonstrated an automated clothes-drying system that uses sensors to detect moisture and respond accordingly. The project encouraged discussions about sustainability, innovation, and how technology can help protect our environment while creating smarter solutions for everyday life.
The third team, led by Michael with Daleine as co-leader, together with Danny, Jeff, Dina, Ennio, and Jamie, showcased an Automated Parking Lot Model. Designed to demonstrate how engineering and technology can improve efficiency in everyday life, the model featured automated vehicle entry and parking management concepts. Through this project, the children explored how sensors, automation, and problem-solving can be combined to reduce congestion and create more efficient public spaces. It was an excellent example of how science and engineering can be applied to real-world challenges.
More importantly, these projects provided a platform for the children to practice one of the skills we continually encourage at Little Hearts Organization—public speaking. Many of our children are still developing confidence when speaking in front of others, and events like this allow them to step outside their comfort zones. As they explained their projects and answered questions, we witnessed remarkable growth. Their voices were stronger, their explanations clearer, and their confidence more evident. Progress may come little by little, but every step forward is worth celebrating.
The children did an excellent job presenting their projects to Tony. It was inspiring to see how they applied what they had learned from STEM lessons while also demonstrating improved communication skills. Their presentations showed not only knowledge and creativity but also courage and determination as they stood before others and shared their work.
The second part of the surprise was prepared with love by another group of children under the guidance of Teacher Rosahlee. Together, they planned, prepared, and cooked a special Belgian meal for Tony.
Cooking a meal for someone is one of the most meaningful ways to show appreciation. It requires effort, patience, teamwork, and thoughtfulness. For the children, it was more than simply preparing food—it was an opportunity to create memories and express gratitude through action.
As part of our Father’s Day surprise activity, our inspiring chef Jamie role-played as a waiter for the day and proudly served their dad.
The young chefs carefully prepared and served the Belgian dishes while proudly explaining each course and its origins. The sophisticated five-course menu they put together included specialties like ficelle picarde (a mushroom-and-ham crêpe au gratin), Stoofvlees met Belgische frietjes en mayonaise (a classic Flemish beef stew), and dame blanche (vanilla ice cream topped with hot dark chocolate and whipped cream) for dessert. Yum!
A highlight of the meal was the Belgian Authentic Gentse Waterzooi soup, which quickly became Dad Tony’s favorite. He enjoyed it so much that he finished the entire bowl! The young chefs successfully captured the authentic taste of Belgium, impressing everyone with their attention to detail and culinary skills.
As Dad Tony enjoyed the meal, it was clear that the greatest gift was not the food itself but the love, effort, and teamwork that went into creating it. The children worked together to make the day special, and their dedication reflected the strong family spirit that continues to grow within Little Hearts.
To conclude the celebration, the children presented Tony with a cake, personalized letters, and handmade DIY gifts. These gestures reminded us that the most valuable gifts are often not the most expensive ones, but those created with sincerity, effort, and love. Each letter contained words of gratitude and appreciation, making the moment even more meaningful and memorable.
From all of us at Little Hearts, Happy Father’s Day! May your day be filled with love, appreciation, and the joy of knowing that your presence makes a lasting difference in the lives of those who look up to you. Thank you for your strength, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment. Whether you are a father by birth, by choice, or by the love and care you give to a child, today we celebrate you and the positive impact you make in the world.