Celebrating our Graduates
Four years ago, we embarked on a journey with a new network of ten community schools, united by a shared goal: to strengthen school leadership so each school could generate the resources needed to provide a high-quality education for its students. Over the past four years, the Chikondano network has experienced remarkable transformation.
Through our intensive School Management Training and Mentoring program, we walked alongside school directors in areas such as systems development, financial management, parent and partner engagement, social media marketing, and much more. Each course was designed not merely to impart skills, but to build sustainable foundations -foundations that would allow schools to thrive long after the formal training ended.
When we launched this network in 2022, every school director arrived with energy, hope, and a deep desire to improve their schools for the sake of their communities. While their hearts were eager, many struggled to clearly articulate their school’s vision or communicate where they needed support to move forward.
Our new network meeting each other for the first time in December 2021 - during Covid and before the completion of our library
Step by step, through the building blocks of each course, those same leaders were transformed. Today, they are equipped to design and implement effective systems, lead their teams with confidence, and advocate clearly and boldly for their schools in front of others.
This month marked our capstone training in the four-year program—Sustaining a Strong School. Over three days, we reflected on the three key pillars of a strong community school: good systems, effective teachers, and engaged parents. Together, we explored practical strategies for assessing each pillar and making thoughtful adjustments to ensure long-term sustainability. Directors shared from their own experiences and highlighted areas they want to target when they open again in January.
Reaching this milestone came with mixed emotions. There was deep joy and pride in completing such an intensive journey, alongside sadness as the formal training drew to a close. Strong relationships have been formed, and there has been great joy in learning together. While this chapter has ended, the story is far from over. Moving forward, our partnership will take on a new shape - one that encourages schools to mentor one another and collaborate toward community-wide change in Ng’ombe.
On the final day, the moment everyone had been waiting for, we awarded certificates of completion to every school director who has participated in this program for the last four years. We also recognized seven schools who received our Award for Holistic Change, a recognition given to schools that demonstrated measurable, school-wide growth over the four years. These schools showed clear evidence of improved reading rates, increased student enrollment, and increased income through school fees - tangible outcomes that reflect stronger systems, healthier schools, and improved learning environments for children.
Whitney and Jane pose for a photo
It was a deeply moving celebration, filled with warm words, ululation, and tears. Directors shared heartfelt gratitude for a partnership that has shaped them both professionally and personally. Jane shared, “Thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and prayers over the years. Your wisdom has strengthened my faith and vision. I have grown in confidence, purpose, and obedience to God’s calling over my life.”
As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to bring together our two networks, Chibanja and Chikondano, into one strong, unified community. Together, we will develop a shared vision and give schools the opportunity to choose which programs they would like to continue as our partnership evolves. We step into this next season with great anticipation, shifting our focus toward community-wide transformation, with schools serving as powerful conduits of lasting change.