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/