Dili, Timor Leste - S2E6

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/