Paths to School Improvement Africa Team Strengthens Mission with Renewed Vision

Our ACSI Africa team recently experienced a powerful reminder of why they do the important work that they do. They attended a local church service together with ACSI Senior Director of School Improvement Dr. Debbie MacCullough, and near the close of worship, the congregation sang the hymn “Fight the Good Fight.” The second verse resonated deeply with team members:

"Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up your eyes, and seek his face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ is the prize."

On the way back from church, they reflected on how this beautifully captures the heart of Christian schooling. The mission is not only to educate but to continually point students to Christ—Who is both the way and the ultimate goal.

Building a Stronger PSI Africa Team

Since the official launch of ACSI’s Paths to School Improvement (PSI) in 2019, God has continued to provide both momentum and people to strengthen the program. What began with a small core team has now grown to nine committed individuals who bring a wealth of experience and passion for Christian education across Africa.

• Six new members have joined the PSI team—through a rigorous application and interview process—committed to serve as volunteers, ensuring PSI’s continued growth across the continent.

Together, this diverse group now forms the PSI Africa Administrative Team, equipped to guide and expand the program into new regions.

Leadership Roles Across the Continent

• Brian, who has faithfully led PSI, will remain Program Coordinator as he relocates to be based in Southern Africa.
• Mikki continues as Francophone Africa Program Manager, working closely with Kassum, who began in Burkina Faso and later expanded the program to Niger.
• Katrina will serve as Anglophone Africa Program Manager through June 2026, collaborating with Patrick, a gifted teacher and coach at ACSI Kenya.
• Caroline (ACSI Zimbabwe) leads training initiatives and the Teacher Certification Pilot in Zimbabwe.
• Isabel (also ACSI Zimbabwe) will serve as Information Manager, while David (Kenya) will support communications and reporting.
• Sarah (Nigeria), who played a vital role in launching PSI in Nigeria where 13 cohorts are already active, will help shape policies and procedures and assist with information management.

This team—Kassum, Patrick, Caroline, Isabel, Sarah, and David—will help guide what is expected to be a season of rapid expansion for PSI in Africa.

Strategic Progress and Future Vision

During the three-day meeting, the team reviewed feedback from the field, discussed the philosophy and goals of PSI training, and considered how best to reach schools regardless of their resource levels. Out of this time of reflection and planning, they identified five major decisions to present to the African leadership team.

They also used AI forecasting to glimpse the future. Based on current growth rates, PSI could see over 3,500 certified schools by 2050 and as many as 40,000 trained school leaders across at least 25 countries. This projection underscores the incredible potential of the program when paired with God’s provision.

A Spirit of Gratitude and Dependence on God

Throughout their meetings, the team prayed together, acknowledging that this work is the Lord’s. Each member expressed sincere gratitude to those who made it possible for them to participate. They also celebrated the ways God is raising up new leaders.

Through this work, the team is reminded that PSI is bigger than any one person—it is the Lord’s work, sustained by His grace.

In every way, ACSI is witnessing God’s hand bringing both traction and talent to PSI Africa. And in looking ahead, the team holds firmly to the truth they sang together in church: Christ is the path, and Christ is the prize.