Lynda Stephenson
Around 13 years ago I attended a conference in South Africa with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). At the time we were discussing the challenge of having Christian schools across the continent of Africa that operated on strong Biblically based standards that would raise the young generation to be the leaders that Africa needs. But no such set of standards that were appropriate to Africa existed. ACSI Africa was handed the task of creating such a set and the trainings to go with it.
Tada!!! Introducing PSI – Paths to School Improvement! The Licensed Trainer Manual!
Last week Archbold and I along with 6 other Tanzanians, 2 Kenyans and 1 Zimbabwean became the first group to be trained as licensed trainers of trainers of trainers (whew!) in Tanzania. For 5 solid days we were educated to present and train the PSI manual. All of us have some background in Christian education and now we were being trained in how to systematically train school leaders according to a set of 7 standards which will enable them to professionally engage in a continuous school improvement process
Katrina, our trainer from Germany, presenting to the group
It was a stimulating week as we explored, discussed and debated topics of real concern for educators who want to be authentically Christian. As individuals we explored our own philosophy of education against a Biblical worldview. Together we looked at vision and mission, school boards, finances, health and safety as well as the usual topics of curriculum and teaching and learning. We wrestled with the question of school culture and how to establish one based on a Biblical worldview.
Working in small groups to process training content
During all that we formed new relationships and friendships and toyed with ideas of how we can support each other across African international boundaries. It was a delight to engage in conversations with mature educators who are committed to quality and authenticity
Fellowshipping over meals – a great time to get to know each other better
Teatime – catch up with home!!! Or each other…
The Joshua Foundation hosted this event and have been selected by PSI to be the Local Host Partner (LHP) for Tanzania. That means that we will be the hub for all PSI activity in Tanzania. We have a huge task ahead of us, with over 60 million people in a nation four times the size of New Zealand. We selected 2-3 people from each of the east, north and south of Tanzania. We are hoping to start our first training in September this year.
Meanwhile we are thankful for the PSI Admin staff who came from Germany and Rwanda to train us. And for the incredibly talented and committed people who wrote the PSI manual. Thank you, Brian and Katrina, for being our trainers!!
Brian receives the traditional Tanzanian gift of a Maasai blanket
PSI Tanzania Licensed Trainers Group 2025
