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Wellbeing for All has become a central priority for AISA. At the 2024 AISA Pre-Conference, we aim to showcase initiatives that have made a positive impact on students and staff in your school.
For the first time, AISA is introducing a one-day Wellbeing for All Symposium as a pre-conference to AISA 2024. This single-day gathering on 31st October is for all school leaders and learners committed to championing Wellbeing for All. This one-day event will spotlight innovative practices from AISA member schools that will serve as a source of inspiration for all schools in Africa.
Participants will have the opportunity to choose 3 workshops from 12 that will be on offer.
LEARNING STREAM |
FACILITATOR |
SESSION |
| Child Protection | Chanel Worsteling (AISA), Emma Norris (Ambrosoli Int School) | Managing an Allegation of Child Abuse Involving a Staff Member – A Case Study
This session focuses on child protection through a case study approach, offering practical insights into managing allegations of child abuse by an adult member of staff. Participants will engage in an in-depth analysis of a real-life scenario to understand the complexities and best practices involved in handling such sensitive situations. The session will cover key aspects such as initial response, inquiry procedures, legal and ethical considerations, and support mechanisms for the affected child and alleged perpetrator. By examining a case study, participants will learn how to effectively navigate the challenges of child protection, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students. This hands-on approach aims to equip school leaders and child protection leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage allegations with competence and compassion. |
| Child Protection & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice | Porsha Childs (AISCT)
Mira Govender (AISCT) |
From Conflict to Conversation: Addressing World Issues with Empathy
In today’s rapidly changing world, schools often struggle to address polarizing issues such as Black Lives Matter and the war in Gaza, leaving teachers and students feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed. This transformative session is designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to navigate challenging topics with sensitivity and insight. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, this workshop will provide a comprehensive framework that schools can implement to facilitate constructive and respectful conversations. Participants will gain practical techniques to engage students, promote critical thinking, and encourage open dialogue. Upon leaving this session, teachers and administrators will be empowered to transform conflict into conversation, creating a more inclusive and informed school community. |
| Child Protection & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice | Elmeka Henderson (ISD) | Supporting LGBTQ Students in Africa: Finding Hope Despite the Challenges
This workshop offers practical strategies and insights for supporting LGBTQ students in African schools. Participants will explore real-world examples from schools across the continent that have successfully implemented policies, programs, and initiatives to create inclusive and supportive environments. We’ll discuss common challenges, share actionable tips, and learn from each other’s experiences in fostering a sense of safety and belonging for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Whether you’re an educator, counsellor, or school leader, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to advocate for and uplift LGBTQ students in your own school community, helping them thrive despite the challenges they may face. |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice | Cecê Ovelar (ISD) | Decolonising the Curriculum with African Voices
Africa is Not Optional is a large, comprehensive resource guide, developed at ISD to aid educators in including more African content in their school curriculum. It highlights important people in the sciences, literature, athletics, history, culture, film, music, visual art, and politics who have made a huge mark across the continent and for humanity worldwide. All of the information within the resource guide is hyperlinked to videos and informational websites. Africa is Not Optional can be further expanded to help the effort of all AISA schools as we work to meet our DEIJ goals. During this session we will explore the guide and make additions from each of our own local resources. |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice | Seren Davis (ISU) | DEIJ at ISU: An Emerging Model to Engage all Community Members
This session will share initiatives and actions taken at the International School of Uganda to support and engage students, educators, support staff, leaders and parents in our journey towards Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. This emerging model for creating and sustaining a culture of belonging will provide specific examples from strategic planning, approaches to recruitment and budgetary considerations to parent workshops, professional development for host country staff and student voice and engagement. During the session, participants will be invited to consider ways in which they can adopt a similar model and approach to support DEIJ and the wellbeing of all their school community members. |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice | Maipelo N’Guessan (ICSA)
Shelly Maldanado (ISK) |
First Steps
Each school has its own unique DEIJ journey. We will be showcasing the journeys of the International School of Kenya and the International Community School of Abidjan to show how the guide is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a flexible framework that can be adapted to each school’s unique needs depending on where they are on the DEIJ journey. We will share ideas for schools who are just beginning and for those who are looking for ways to measure progress and make data-driven decisions for their school. |
| Student Support & Inclusion | Trina Cobbledick (ISK)
Ginny Prairie (ISK) |
Meeting the Needs of Gifted and Talented Students: an Inclusive Approach
This workshop focuses on strategies for educators to identify and nurture the unique abilities of gifted students within an inclusive classroom setting. Participants will explore differentiated instruction, personalized learning plans, and social-emotional support techniques that cater to high-achieving students without isolating them from their peers. By emphasizing equity and access, the workshop aims to ensure all students thrive, fostering a supportive environment that celebrates diverse talents and promotes academic excellence for gifted learners alongside their classmates. |
| Student Support & Inclusion | Lauren Jones (Consultant) | Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion: Reshaping Community Perceptions and Beliefs about Special Education
Lauren is an educational consultant, with a background in school leadership, program development, trauma-informed practices, behaviour management, inclusive system development and implementation, and alternative programming. Lauren is passionate about helping schools and organizations develop foundations and systems that will support the most vulnerable students with a whole-child approach that empowers teachers, families, and students. |
| Wellbeing/SEL | Calley Connelly (ICSAddis) Matt Taylor (ICSAddis) | Motivate to Move: Leveraging Theory to Build Thriving Community Fitness Programs
The research is clear: physical activity is a key driver of wellbeing in children and adults. In international schools, Community-based physical activity initiatives play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to lead active lifestyles. By incorporating motivational theories into these initiatives, we can effectively enhance participation, long-term engagement, and sustained community wellbeing. |
| Wellbeing/SEL | Kirsten Pontius, Maipelo N’Guessan (ICSA) | Shared Wellbeing: Conversations about a Collective Care Approach to Wellbeing
Shared Wellbeing: Conversations about a Collective Care Approach to Wellbeing explores the crucial role of inclusive wellbeing initiatives in schools. Our session delves into collaborative engagement when considering how to support the wellbeing of the teachers and staff, moving beyond singular responsibility to embrace collective efforts in nurturing wellbeing. Through dynamic stories and conversation, we share strategies to involve diverse stakeholders, fostering shared ownership for holistic wellness. Inviting participant perspectives, we aim to engage thought around cultivating environments where every member feels valued and empowered and has an opportunity to thrive. |
| Wellbeing/SEL | Priscilla Adjei-Mensah (Al-Rayan Int School) | Wellbeing in Action: Designing Systems to Inspire Resilient Futures
In today’s rapidly changing world, equipping students with the psychological skills to navigate life’s challenges has become imperative. This workshop delves into the transformative power of comprehensive SEL, mental health and wellbeing initiatives to nurture resilient, thriving futures for all learners. By fostering competencies such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills, SEL empowers students to achieve academic success while developing the emotional intelligence essential for lifelong wellbeing. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies for developing a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Through interactive sessions, they will gain insights into creating Safe learning environments that cultivate belongingness, while developing tailored action plans to implement or enhance SEL programs within their unique school contexts. |
| Student Support & Inclusion | Lauren Jones, Nneka Johnson (Consultants) |
Harnessing the power of human intelligence and artificial intelligence to support diverse learners
In this one-hour workshop, participants will learn how to utilize generative AI safely and effectively as a thought partner, and resource to support learning inclusion in their school communities. |
The Association of International Schools in Africa is dedicated to serving its members throughout Africa. Please let us know if you require additional or specific information, resources and or support, and we will endeavour to assist you as soon as possible.