In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brian Williams joins Karen Elliott to explore the growing movement of classical Christian education across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Drawing on his global experience and deep historical insight, Williams highlights how this ancient, holistic model of education forms not only the intellect but also the moral, aesthetic, and spiritual lives of students. He casts a compelling vision for the global church to reclaim its rich educational tradition in service to human flourishing—across continents, cultures, and centuries.
In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Bryan and Alexis McDaniel about their unexpected journey to the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. The McDaniels share how God led them—from suburban life to missionary work with their three young children—through Bible study, prayer, and trust. Their story highlights the joy, challenges, and purpose found in serving through Rafiki’s classical education and discipleship programs.
In this podcast, Karen Elliott interviews Lori McDaniel the author of the Mission of God and You. It's an excellent resource for mission statistics, inspirational stories and practical strategies to encourage all of us to engage all the more with God's mission to be glorified in all the earth. Rafiki’s implementation of Classical Christian schools across ten countries in Africa is one of those means by which God makes disciples and fulfills that mission. Hence this episode will encourage any Christian to step out in faith to participate in God's global plan either in your own backyard or around the world or maybe as a missionary with RAFIKI!
Karen Elliott and Grant Horner discuss why Christians should read pagan texts and how this applies to classical Christian education in AFrica.For a full presentation on this refer to Rafiki Foundation's YouTube channel featuring Dr. Grant Horner's presentation at the Rafiki Foundation's classical Christian conference in Kenya and Uganda October 2023.
In this episode, Karen speaks with veteran educator, Robyn Burlew, about the distinctive features of classical Christian education (CCE) and its particular challenges and opportunities in African contexts.
What does Athens have to do with Abuja? Classical Christian education in Africa is a part of church history. This episode provides stories from missionary work in nine of the countries where Rafiki serves with brief missionary biographies for both indigenous and expatriate missionaries.
In this episode, Karen speaks with Becky and Richard, graduates from Rafiki's teacher training college and current teachers at the Rafiki School in Uganda.
In this episode, Karen speaks with a Rafiki alumnus about her experience at the Rafiki school and what she has done since graduating.
In this episode, Karen is joined by two missionaries who serve one of the Rafiki Foundation's schools in Uganda. David and Michelle Graves, a couple that upended their lives to serve Rafiki's mission, share their story about how they came to Rafiki, what the experience has been like in Uganda, and what the Rafiki school is like.
In this episode Karen speaks with a teacher at the Rafiki School in Kenya who started with Rafiki as a day student. They discuss how Rafiki’s classical Christian education is changing the lives of young people in Africa.
In this episode Karen explores the history of the first African bishop of the Anglican church, Samuel Ajayi Crowther, and describes his significance in CCE.
In this episode, Karen describes a 19th century intellectual leader, James 'Africanus' Beale Horton, who was greatly influenced by CCE.
In this episode, Karen explores the history of classical Christian schools in Africa and how the need for such schools has developed over time.
In this episode Karen speaks with four members of Hope for Children Ministries, based in Rwanda where they have just opened their new school, Hope for Children International School. They discuss the mission of their ministry and the growth of their new school, in which they have implemented the Rafiki curriculum.
In this episode Karen speaks with two other missionaries who have served as heads of schools in Africa. Together, these three classical Christian educators discuss what the most important class in CCE is and how it impacts the formation of virtue in students.
In this episode Karen speaks with two fathers of children who attend the Rafiki school in Africa. Together, these three discuss the universal difficulties of parenthood and offer a window into what parents see from their children who attend classical, Christian schools.
In this episode Karen speaks with Reverend Ken Mbugua, a Reformed Baptist pastor in Kenya. Rev. Mbugua has written articles for Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization, and spoke at their national conference in 2021. Karen and Rev. Mbugua discuss the values of a classical, Christian education and the positive effect it can have in Africa.
In this episode Karen talks with Loise and Ann, who are Kenyan teachers at the Rafiki Classical Christian School in Kenya. Loise teaches kindergarten and Ann teaches logic, algebra, and geometry. This conversation explores the relevance and application of classical Christian education from teachers' perspectives.
In this episode Karen will be answering the question of why missions like The Rafiki Foundation are necessary in Africa.
In this episode Karen will be analyzing the importance of a Western civilization education in Africa.