The Global Ed Podcast

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/

What would you do if you were Principal of a remote indigenous school in Australia?

Rachel Herweynen was adopted into the Yolŋu tribe to live and lead in their community which is found on the remote island of Galiwin'ku (Elcho Island). The population of Galiwin'ku is 94% indigenous, with only 14% of the population being over 50. 

In this 30 minute podcast, Rachel shares her experience of living and being a Principal on a remote island, what teaching and learning looks like in that context, and the traumatic impact the indigenous health crisis has on her students and school community.

Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/

Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-joy-herweynen-930a6a234/

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following podcast may contain voices of deceased persons.

What would you do if you if civil unrest overthrew the government and put your school at risk?

Norris Ham was in Cairo when the Arab Spring lead to widespread civil unrest that lead to the over throwing of the government. Norris is also a licensed lawyer recognised to make petitions for displaced persons to the United Nations.

In this 30 minute podcast, Norris shares how his school responded to the Arab Spring, what school culture is like in Egypt and how he supports displaced people entering Egypt from war-torn Sudan.

Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/

Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norrisham/

What would you do if you were the Principal of a school in Kyiv when Russia invaded?

Rachel Caldwell was the School Director of Pechersk School International, Ukraine and had to lead her school through this experience.

In this 30 minute podcast, Rachel tells her story of the initial turmoil caused by the invasion and how she led the school community through the following weeks and months.

Gavin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinkinch/

Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpatriciac/