Last year’s Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Conference, held in October 2023, was a vibrant learning opportunity that sparked conversations, shared experiences, and fostered a collective commitment to education grounded in inclusion and equity.

The recent AISA Conference was highlighted by the DEIJ Symposium—a day dedicated to professional learning focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). The conference’s DEIJ Symposium was particularly designed to provide a learning space to deeply engage in understanding the importance of DEIJ in creating and maintaining safe, affirming, and equitable experiences and outcomes for both students and adults. The sessions, centred around these principles, not only offered valuable insights but also presented a range of provocations, concepts, skills, competencies, and actionable strategies. These were aimed at supporting school leaders and educators in developing inclusive learning environments within international schools across Africa. The symposium served as a platform for critical discussions, highlighting both transformative changes and ongoing challenges in the educational landscape.

Central to this discourse was the AISA DEIJ Guide, a comprehensive resource that offers case studies, practical tools, and frameworks for effectively implementing DEIJ principles. Emphasizing the crucial role of leadership, it underscores the importance of school leaders in driving substantial, sustainable, courageous, and meaningful change. AISA curated, published, and launched the DEIJ Guide, “Pathways to Transformation”, with contributions from many education leaders from within and beyond Africa.

As a friend and partner of AISA, it was both a joy and honour to share the plenary panel of the symposium with colleagues who are friends, coaches, and mentors in our shared work on DEIJ in international schools: Dr. Darnell Fine, Dr Nneka Johnson, Constance Darshea Collins, and Mary M. Powell. In the panel dialogue, our colleagues discussed the success stories and persisting challenges in embedding DEIJ practices in education. The community was called upon to act as change agents within their educational spheres. As AISA continues its journey, the resonance of the DEIJ Symposium remains a reminder that impactful and real change arises from dialogue, learning, action, and a steadfast dedication to intentionally designing for equity and inclusion.

There was a series of deep dive and discovery workshops throughout the AISA conference, facilitated by educators from within Africa, as well as educators and organizations who were guests of the conference. AISA’s Professional Learning Development Team (PLDT), led by its Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Graham Carlini Watts, curated learning strands and experiences for everyone, covering areas like service learning, innovation, leadership, teaching, and more. The opportunity to connect and be in community with each other was palpable in the different spaces and events throughout the conference. A highlight of the conference was the plenary sessions presented by Elizabeth Imende, the incoming AISA Executive Director, and Estelle Baroung Hughes, Secondary Principal of the International School of Dakar. Their presentations centred everyone on this year’s theme – Umoja, focusing on Africa, its people and power, stories and strengths, and its oneness and joy. Elizabeth and Estelle’s songs, stories, and impactful learning still resonate with so many of us today.

Looking Ahead: AISA’s Story of Transformation at the Diversity 

Collaborative

The AISA team, represented by its Executive Director, Dr. Peter Bateman, Board Chair, Dr. Dan Jubert, and incoming Executive Director, Elizabeth Imende, will share AISA’s story of transformation at the Diversity Collaborative members’ meeting on February 12, 2024. To register for the event, kindly fill out this form.

AISA’s involvement in the Diversity Collaborative meeting is poised to be a vital platform for sharing insights and strategies, a case study worth learning for educational leaders in schools and organizations. This event will highlight the significance of AISA’s journey and the impact of its action within the broader international educational community.

Author- Joel Jr Llaban