The Rafiki Foundation

In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Anna Liebing, head of school and principal of the teacher’s college at the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. Anna shares how classical Christian education is transforming the lives of students, parents, and teachers in one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. With stories of student growth, teacher formation, and the launch of a new accredited college, this episode reveals the deep impact of bringing truth, beauty, and goodness into every classroom.

Dr. Brady McNeil shares the story of taking the Wheaton Symphonic Band on its first international tour—to Kenya and Tanzania with the Rafiki Foundation. This episode explores the power of music education, global Christian fellowship, and cross-cultural worship as students performed, taught, and partnered with local churches and schools. Hear how music became a bridge between worlds and a blessing to all who listened and played.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brian Williams joins Karen Elliott to explore the growing movement of classical Christian education across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Drawing on his global experience and deep historical insight, Williams highlights how this ancient, holistic model of education forms not only the intellect but also the moral, aesthetic, and spiritual lives of students. He casts a compelling vision for the global church to reclaim its rich educational tradition in service to human flourishing—across continents, cultures, and centuries.

In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Bryan and Alexis McDaniel about their unexpected journey to the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. The McDaniels share how God led them—from suburban life to missionary work with their three young children—through Bible study, prayer, and trust. Their story highlights the joy, challenges, and purpose found in serving through Rafiki’s classical education and discipleship programs.

In this podcast, Karen Elliott interviews Lori McDaniel the author of the Mission of God and You. It's an excellent resource for mission statistics, inspirational stories and practical strategies to encourage all of us to engage all the more with God's mission to be glorified in all the earth. Rafiki’s implementation of Classical Christian schools across ten countries in Africa is one of those means by which God makes disciples and fulfills that mission. Hence this episode will encourage any Christian to step out in faith to participate in God's global plan either in your own backyard or around the world or maybe as a missionary with RAFIKI!

Karen Elliott and Grant Horner discuss why Christians should read pagan texts and how this applies to classical Christian education in AFrica.

For a full presentation on this refer to Rafiki Foundation's YouTube channel featuring Dr. Grant Horner's presentation at the Rafiki Foundation's classical Christian conference in Kenya and Uganda October 2023.

In this episode, Karen speaks with veteran educator, Robyn Burlew, about the distinctive features of classical Christian education (CCE) and its particular challenges and opportunities in African contexts.

 What does Athens have to do with Abuja? Classical Christian education in Africa is a part of church history. This episode provides stories from missionary work in nine of the countries where Rafiki serves with brief missionary biographies for both indigenous and expatriate missionaries. 

In this episode, Karen speaks with Becky and Richard, graduates from Rafiki's teacher training college and current teachers at the Rafiki School in Uganda.  

In this episode, Karen speaks with a Rafiki alumnus about her experience at the Rafiki school and what she has done since graduating.