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The Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) is of Africa and for Africa.
The strategic objectives of AISA specify that AISA services, resources, and networks will:
Over the past five decades, our international schools across Africa have experienced environments of immense, sometimes unprecedented change. Faced with these challenges, AISA’s support has been unwavering. Our presentation of world-class professional learning opportunities and advisory services to our members is ongoing, offerings that are based on continuous research into the specific needs of international schools on the continent.
Our member schools vary greatly. While all teach in English – a prerequisite – some are large with over 2000 students, while others have less than 100 students in the entire school. They may be non-profit or proprietary, religiously affiliated, or not. Curricula also vary, with the American, British, International Baccalaureate or some combination of the three being offered. Whatever the size or affiliation, we provide a forum for educators to connect with and learn from each other.
In addition, we provide our members with access to world-leading experts, advisors, and facilitators specialising in essential matters such as school governance and leadership, professional learning, blended learning, child protection and wellbeing, innovation and technology, and more.
AISA’s membership also includes some 80 Associate Members comprising businesses, organisations and universities throughout the world whose primary mission is to serve the various needs of our schools. Their contribution to improving student learning is invaluable.
AISA exists to ensure that our members are always learning and growing, thereby creating a fertile environment within which fresh, new ideas and practices can inspire students to focus, flourish and fully prepare themselves to become global citizens.
We believe that:
For over five decades, the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), has been developing and delivering strategic programmes supporting professional growth, good governance, strategic thinking, service learning, child protection, and wellbeing in international schools across the continent.
Following the AISA conference last October 2022, the AISA Board embarked on a new and exciting journey to transform the board make-up and structure to align with best governance practices and to improve its representation. The AISA board is now formed using a hybrid model comprising five elected School Heads from within AISA’s membership and four appointed members who do not need to be Heads of Schools and may be from within or outside the AISA membership.
Click the Board Member profiles below to learn more about the current Board.
Chairperson
M Public Health, M Programme IEP (ongoing) Bsc Biology, Dip in Educational Leadership
Accra, Ghana
Al-Rayan International School
Dr Odaymat was born in Ghana and completed her primary education in West Africa. Before joining the world of International Education, she was involved in developing and managing education and protection programmes for children of all ages in Africa and the Middle East.
As a United Nations Officer and a consultant, she designed and managed programmes for Early Childhood Development, building and rehabilitating schools, working on mental health, and peer-to-peer youth projects, providing learning opportunities for teachers, and working with governments on the ratification of education and protection policies.
Dr Odaymat brings that global experience to Al-Rayan International School where she works with more than 190 staff to ensure that the students enjoy the highest standards in international education, focusing on international-mindedness and service learning. Fatma is the Chair of the AISA Board Governance and Continuity Committee (GovCom).
Dr Fatma Odaymat has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and is a Medical Doctor by training. She also holds a Masters in Public Health, a Diploma in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in International Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Vice-Chairperson
B. Sociology, M. Instructional Technology, PhD. Curriculum and Instruction
Atlanta, GA
Council of International Schools
In July 2023, Dr Nneka Johnson will become the first Fellow at the Council of International Schools (CIS). Before joining CIS, she spent five years at the International School of Dakar, where she held the position of Director of Innovation and Strategic Development. During this time Nneka developed a strong reputation for leadership, innovation and expertise in Design Thinking and workshop facilitation. In 2019, Nneka joined AISA’s Professional Learning Design Team, involving her in the planning, delivery and evaluation of professional learning across the African continent.
Recently, Nneka has been appointed as a member of the AISA Board in recognition of her leadership skills, insight into international education, and strong dedication to enhancing student learning.
Nneka’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Queens College in New York City, a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Georgia State University, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Mercer University in Atlanta. Nneka sits on the AISA Board Membership Committee.
Treasurer
MA - Educational Leadership, BA - Elementary Education
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
International Community School of Abidjan
Michael Breece was introduced to international education and AISA as a 19-year-old student at the College of New Jersey where he earned a BA in Elementary Education. He was offered the opportunity to do his student teaching abroad and found himself headed to The Gambia. After spending two months at the Banjul American Embassy School, he fell in love with being a part of a small international school in Africa and upon graduation, returned and taught for three years.
Michael later moved to Asmara International Community School in Eritrea, where he spent four years, beginning as a teacher and then moving into administration after earning an MA in Educational Leadership. Following this, he joined schools in Abu Dhabi and Jakarta, however, yearned to return to Africa, which led him to serve as the Director of the American School of Douala (ASD) in Cameroon. After six years in Douala, Michael has joined the International Community School of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire as its Director. Michael is joined by his wife and two daughters.
Michael thrives on the unique challenges of schools on the continent, as well as the benefits, such as a close-knit community and the capacity to be agile, as we navigate a world of increasing uncertainty and rapid change. Michael is the Board Treasurer and Chair of the AISA Board Finance Committee.
Secretary
MA (Honors) Educational Administration
Accra, Ghana
Lincoln Community School
Lesley is currently the Head of School at Lincoln Community School in Accra, Ghana. Originally from New Zealand, where she worked as a public school principal, she has now been in the international teaching world for the past 12 years. She served as the Elementary Principal and Director of Teaching and Learning at the American Cooperative School of Tunis, Tunisia and then as the Director of Teaching and Learning and Interim Head of School at the American School of Brasilia, Brazil. She holds a Masters Degree (Honors) in Educational Administration from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Lesley is a strong believer in the importance of listening to the many voices in guiding and leading our schools and along with the team from LCS is working hard to ensure that this is part of the daily life of the school. Really listening to the thoughts and opinions of staff, students and parents is fundamental to her work.
She is also passionate about ensuring that each student knows and understands how to be a learner, where they are up to in that process and where they need to go next. However, her definition of learning is not confined to the academic subjects of a school; learning to be a great person who is well and happy, ready to lead the world is also important to her. Lesley sits on the AISA Board Membership Committee.
Member at Large
Ed.D in International Education
Cape Town, South Africa
American International School of Cape Town
Dan Jubert is the Head of School at the American International School of Cape Town. He has served as an administrator and school counselor overseas since 2006, previously in Shanghai, China and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Dan holds an Ed.D in International Education from the University of Minnesota, an MA in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and a BS in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, with state licenses in school counseling and school administration.
Dan values the unique combination of school counseling and school leadership viewpoints as it encourages constant reflection, mutual understanding, and a strong solution-focused approach. Dan’s doctoral dissertation examined the intercultural competence of international school administrators and he looks to build off of the rich research in this area. Dan joined the AISA board in 2017 and currently serves as the Board Chair. Dan also sits on the AISA Board Governance and Continuity Committee.
Member at Large
B.Ed - Secondary Language and Literature, MAED - Technology and Leadership
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
International School of Tanganyika
Melanie has significant experience with Strategic Planning, strategic thinking, and generative conversations about how we can work together to move education forward. She finds this work most exciting when we can gather diverse perspectives around a table and roll up our sleeves to see what is possible when we create something new together. Some particular areas of passionate interest for Melanie include technology innovations, belonging work, community well-being, and creative re-imagining. Throughout her time as an educator, Melanie has been blessed to have had many opportunities to learn from others and to work with incredible mentors.
Melanie currently serves as Director of the International School of Tanganyika in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Melanie is a new school head, after many years of serving as a High School Principal, teacher and leader in International Baccalaureate schools. Previous to her time at IST, she has worked at schools in China, Japan, Thailand and Lebanon. Melanie’s educational background includes a B.Ed in Secondary Language and Literature from McGill University, as well as a MAED in Technology and Leadership from Michigan State University. Melanie is originally from Canada but has lived and worked abroad longer than she ever spent at home.
Member at Large
BA Sociology, B.Ed., M.Ed., Grad. Dip. Educational Technology, Ed.D. Instructional Technology & Distance Education
Abuja, Nigeria
American International School of Abuja
Wayne Burnett is the Early Childhood and Elementary School Principal at the American International School of Abuja. He has worked overseas in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia before moving to Nigeria in July 2022. He has worked as a (mostly upper) elementary teacher, English immersion teacher, ICT/information literacy teacher/coach, founding divisional principal and head of the campus.
Wayne has a BA (Sociology) and B.Ed. from Glendon College, York University; M.Ed. from OISE, University of Toronto; a Graduate Diploma in Educational Technology from Cape Breton University; and an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. His dissertation focussed on the teaching of elementary school science using educational robotics and he’s pleased he was able to play (or rather learn) with LEGO for his doctoral work.
Besides technology across the curriculum, Wayne has interests in second language acquisition, elementary engineering, and professional development. Wayne sits on the AISA Board Governance and Continuity Committee.
Member at Large
MEd, MA - Letters and Literature
Dakar, Senegal
International School of Dakar
Estelle Baroung Hughes is the Secondary Principal at the International School of Dakar (ISD) and the director of the NGO Africa Learning International (ALI) focused on Quality Education for All. As an international school principal, Estelle focuses on nurturing responsible global citizens. As an NGO leader, Estelle promotes education for peace through the competition ‘Peace You Have My Word’ and develops professional development for African and international teachers through the ALI conference. Estelle is also a key-note speaker, a blogger, a musician and not least of all, a Cameroonian citizen who is passionate about the cultural wealth of Africa.
Member at Large
M.Ed Educational Leadership and Administration
Johannesburg, South Africa
American International School of Johannesburg
With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, starting in Texas in 1996, Michael Schooler is an experienced School Director with strong interpersonal skills and experience in Africa and in challenging environments. He holds himself and others to high standards and takes a student-centered approach to learning. In his own words, he “makes sure every decision is based on what is best for the students.”
He also has experience dealing successfully with significant fiscal, operational, and enrollment challenges at his current school in Egypt (Schutz American School). He was also instrumental in improving the academic rigor at Schutz. He will be a strong champion for JEDI and the AISJ Strategic Plan. His significant experience working with students with mental health, behavior, and learning challenges.
Michael will be particularly strong in building community and creating a positive learning and working environment for all at AISJ. Michael joined AISJ in July 2024.
Executive Director
B.A. English, Ed.M. Teaching & Learning
Nairobi, Kenya
Born to Kenyan and Ugandan parents, Elizabeth Imende did her early schooling in Kenya before emigrating with her family to the United States. She holds a B.A. in English from Wake Forest University and an Ed.M. in Teaching and Learning from Harvard University and has worked in the education sector for over twenty years.
Her experience spans the globe, having worked for schools and organisations in Latin America, Asia, Europe, the US, and East and Southern Africa. As the founder and director of Advancing Educators, Elizabeth has a proven track record of supporting educators and administrators in improving their practice, and developing strategic plans.
Having been a long-time professional learning facilitator for AISA, Elizabeth took up the role of AISA’s Executive Director in July 2024.
Deputy Executive Director (Professional Learning & Strategic Partnerships)
M. Ed, PGCE, B.A. (Hons), COGE
London, UK
Graham is an educational writer, advisor and consultant with experience in leading professional learning in over 25 countries. He has published educational books in the UK and the USA as well as published articles and peer-reviewed papers in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Before joining AISA, Graham was Global Director of Education and Training for an international children’s wellbeing charity; forming strategic partnerships with major funders, research partners, government agencies and universities.
Graham recently completed his doctoral study at the University College London Institute of Education. His thesis explored host nation teachers’ experience of professional development in international schools in Africa.
Wellbeing for All Programme Coordinator
Master of Counselling & Master of International & Community Development
Brisbane, Australia
Chanel is a dedicated advocate for child protection, a skilled trainer, and an experienced psychotherapist driven by a desire to empower individuals on their path to embracing a life of complete authenticity and freedom. For over two decades, Chanel has held various leadership roles with both local and international organisations, lending her expertise to projects aimed at safeguarding, enhancing wellbeing, and expanding educational outcomes. During this time Chanel lived and worked in Cambodia, New Zealand and the Pacific, and Kenya, before returning home to Australia.
Presently, Chanel spearheads AISA’s comprehensive Wellbeing for All Programme as well as providing support to ICMEC as a Regional Educational Trainer in Child Protection. Additionally, Chanel operates her own private psychotherapy practice, Courageous Being.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Chanel holds a Master of Counselling and a Master of International & Community Development and is always reading or studying to further her expertise. In her free time, she is a committed yogi, avid traveller and loves to cook for her family and friends.
Finance & Administration Manager
M.S.Fin., B.B.M., Certificate of Proficiency, Certified Public Accountant
Nairobi, Kenya
William is an Accountant by profession having achieved a Masters of Science in Finance from Kenyatta University and a Bachelors Degree in Business Management (Finance and Banking); attaining a First class Honours from Moi University. He also has a Certificate of Proficiency from College of Insurance and is a Certified Public Accountant, Kenya.
William has vast experience in Financial and Management accounting having worked for Multinational companies such as Aga Khan Education Services and Finlay’s horticulture for several years.
William enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Events, Marketing & Communications Manager
MStrategic Management; BCom
Nairobi, Kenya
Steve is the Events, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). He holds a Masters degree in Strategic Management and a Bachelors degree in Finance.
Steve has had experience in Banking, Management Consulting and Real Estate and is passionate about managing projects with efficiency, detail and timeliness.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys travelling, spending time with family, listening to and dancing to music.
Membership Engagement Officer
B.A in Film, Television studies and Communications
Nairobi, Kenya
Meet Richard Moire, our Membership Engagement Officer. Richard brings a solid background in communication to our team, bolstered by a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television Studies, and Communication from Exeter University. With nearly ten years in the education sector, Richard knows how to create messages that resonate with our members. His methodical and targeted approach ensures every communication effort has the most significant possible impact. Richard’s dedication to quality is a constant in his work.
In his free time, Richard enjoys travelling, attending various events, and going on hikes to unwind and enjoy nature.
Accounts Administration Officer
B.Com, Finance; CPA (K)
Nairobi, Kenya
Mariah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Finance Major. She is also a certified public accountant, CPA (K). As the AISA Accounts & Administration Officer, Mariah will be responsible for processing financial transactions, maintaining financial records, preparing vendor payments and overseeing the AISA Nairobi office administration.
In her free time, Mariah is involved with community work with the Rotary International Club, where she is currently serving as an advisor to the board of the Rotary Club of Karura. She loves travelling and reading books.
As an association committed to nurturing the growth and development of international schools across the African continent, AISA is thankful to the partnerships it has established.
The wide array of partners reflects the diverse and myriad needs of our member school community.
