In the final episode of the season I interview Tina Lomax who is the Principal of Kingslea School in New Zealand.Kingslea School is dedicated to young people in care and youth justice. With campuses across the country, it provides education for students living in Youth Justice residences and Care and Protection facilities, supporting young people who are often navigating very challenging circumstances.In this interview, Tina draws on her 27 years of experience as Tumuaki (Principal), reflecting on how the school works and sharing inspiring stories that reveal its powerful impact on the lives of young people.Tina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lomax-a8a55623/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this episode I interview Jane Larrson the Executive Director of the Council for International Schools (CIS). Jane is also one of the founding members of the International Taskforce on Child Protection (ITFCP).In this episode, Jane tells the story of how the ITFCP came to be and the need it set out to meet. She reflects on the early days of bringing schools together around its goals, and how that work has grown into a global effort. Jane also shares her thoughts on new child protection threats and what we, as educators, can do to respond.Jane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelarssoncis/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this episode I interview Aye Chan Oo who the founder of the Scholastic International School of Myanmar.Aye shares her experiences of life in Myanmar over the past few years and the challenges that led her to found the school. She outlines her plans for building the school’s culture, attracting committed staff, and ensuring it remains a place that empowers students well into the future.Aye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aye-chan-oo-a134a2169/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this episode I interview Marwa Alsharqawi who works for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Marwa is an education specialist who works in some of the world's most difficult areas.Marwa shares her work in Syria building the capacity of teachers to respond to the pyscho-social needs of students. The students have lived in very trying circumstances with their life and education being seriously disrupted by conflict. Marwa explains the impact this has had not the children and how they can be helped through the school system.Marwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwa-alsharqawi-2a72ba1a1/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this episode I speak with Octavius Colquhoun, the Principal of iThemba Labantu Primary School. The school is located in Philippi which is a township on the edge of Cape Town, South Africa. iThemba Labantu means "Hope for the people" which is the basis upon which the school was established. Octavius shares how the school serves the children who are growing up in Philippi, a community marked by hardship and danger, yet full of children whose resilience shines through. Octavius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/octavius-colquhoun-321809311/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In the first episode of Season 3 I speak with Nick Magus MBE, the former Head of College of Dulwich College (Singpaore).Nick shares his experience of founding Dulwich College on a green field site in Singapore. He shares the early stages of the project, the opening of the school, and how he set and maintained the culture through constantly wanting to move from 'good to great'.Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-magnus-mbe-3444741a2/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In the final episode of Season 2, I speak with Rafei, a refugee from Afghanistan who journeyed through the Middle East to Indonesia, hoping to reach Australia by boat. However, after Australia’s policy changes, a refugee community formed in the Bogor region of Indonesia.Now, Rafei is the director of a remarkable school run by refugees, for refugees. This school offers hope and education to children and families as they endure the long wait for resettlement. Hear Rafei’s inspiring story of resilience and his dedication to empowering his community through education. Rafei: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdi-rafei-233170122/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
David, a Singaporean, relocated his entire family to Timor-Leste to establish a community-based school. David shares how the school is deeply invested in the local community and how it stepped up to provide critical support when devastating floods struck the country in 2021.Hear how David is working to empower a new generation of changemakers—individuals equipped not only to contribute positively to society but also to take decisive action when disaster strikes.
I interview Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, the Director General of the IB and former Minister of Education for Finland. Mr. Heinonen shares his inspiring journey from leading Finland’s education system to shaping global education through the IB. He discusses his belief in education as the key to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.“Life is messy and complex, but it’s also exciting and beautiful,” he reflects. “I see the curiosity in young people’s eyes, their hunger to learn, and their eagerness to share their answers.”Tune in to hear his powerful vision for the future of education. Olli-Pekka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olli-pekka-heinonen-4748581/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this episode I speak with the inspiring Yaya Dama from Burkina Faso, who sheds light on the challenges young people face amidst insecurity and an overwhelmed education system in Burkina Faso, west Africa.Yaya explains how some students fall out of the education system, and shares the inspiring ways he and others are using education to break these outcomes. Discover how they’re equipping the next generation with the tools and mindset to build a brighter, more hopeful future. Yaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaya-dama-7ba315a8/ Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In episode three, I interview Ramon Javier, Principal of a transformative school on Manhattan’s East Side. George Jackson Academy provides life-changing education and opportunities for low-income families. Ramon shares how the school’s focus on brotherhood builds strong bonds among its students, creating a lasting sense of identity and purpose that empowers them to succeed in the future. Ramon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramón-javier-he-him-el-b38243b7/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
In this moving episode, I speak with Lynn John Manning, a proud member of the Shoshone-Paiute Nation in Nevada, USA. Born and raised within the tribe, Lynn now serves as the Principal of the local school. Lynn shares the heartbreaking story of her people and the cultural genocide inflicted through the education system. Hear how Lynn is leading the way in fostering healing and restoration, using education as a powerful tool for reclaiming identity and building hope for the future.
In this powerful episode, I speak with Alaa Katerji, a principal leading a school in an active conflict zone. Alaa shares the challenges of creating a space for learning in a region overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Despite the violence surrounding her community, she remains steadfast in her mission to provide stability, hope, and the tools to build a brighter future.Through her inspiring story, Alaa demonstrates how education can transcend chaos, empowering children with resilience and the values needed to foster peace, even in the darkest times.Alaa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaa-katerji/Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/
What would you do if you had to start a school in Indonesia’s largest landfill site? Resa Beonard grew up in Bantar Gebang which is community that lives in a landfill site that contains over 40 million tonnes of rubbish. It is within this landfill site that Resa started a school for the children who live amongst the rubbish. In this 30 minute podcast, Resa shares what it was like growing up living in a landfill village, why she founded the school and how the school serves the children who live there. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Resa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resa-boenard-093a3828/
What would you do if you wanted the children of Africa to change the world? Estelle Baroung Hughes is a Cameroonian, an African and a global citizen. After teaching throughout the world, including a significant stint at the International School of Geneva (Ecolint), she has returned to Africa to become the high school Principal in Dakar, Senegal. In this 30 minute podcast, Estelle shares her experience of being an Cameroonian growing up in a French international school in the Congo, how she has inspired challenging conversations about Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Justice, and how she is now back in Africa teaching students to have ‘African roots and global wings’. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Estelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-baroung-hughes/
What would you do if you had held every position in the IB Educator Network (IBEN)? Isela Consuegra has worked within the IBEN over several decades, and has held nearly every position available to educators. She is currently the Chair of the IB Heads Council and is an IB Board member. In this 30 minute podcast, Isela shares her journey into teaching and school leadership in Mexico, her experience working with students and staff within the IB and what it takes to be a successful IB educator. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Isela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isela-consuegra-b1402766/
What would you do if you were Principal of a remote indigenous school in Australia? Rachel Herweynen was adopted into the Yolŋu tribe to live and lead in their community which is found on the remote island of Galiwin'ku (Elcho Island). The population of Galiwin'ku is 94% indigenous, with only 14% of the population being over 50. In this 30 minute podcast, Rachel shares her experience of living and being a Principal on a remote island, what teaching and learning looks like in that context, and the traumatic impact the indigenous health crisis has on her students and school community. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-joy-herweynen-930a6a234/ WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following podcast may contain voices of deceased persons.
What would you do if you if civil unrest overthrew the government and put your school at risk? Norris Ham was in Cairo when the Arab Spring lead to widespread civil unrest that lead to the over throwing of the government. Norris is also a licensed lawyer recognised to make petitions for displaced persons to the United Nations. In this 30 minute podcast, Norris shares how his school responded to the Arab Spring, what school culture is like in Egypt and how he supports displaced people entering Egypt from war-torn Sudan. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norrisham/
What would you do if you were the Principal of a school in Kyiv when Russia invaded? Rachel Caldwell was the School Director of Pechersk School International, Ukraine and had to lead her school through this experience. In this 30 minute podcast, Rachel tells her story of the initial turmoil caused by the invasion and how she led the school community through the following weeks and months. Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/ Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpatriciac/
What would you do if you were the Principal of a school in Kyiv when Russia invaded? Rachel Caldwell was the School Director of Pechersk School International, Ukraine and had to lead her school through this experience. In this 30 minute podcast, Rachel tells her story of the initial turmoil caused by the invasion and how she led the school community through the following weeks and months. Host LinkedIn: Gavin Kinch Guest LinkedIn: Rachel Caldwell Website: The GlobalEd Podcast