by Juma Nyamori
Appreciation and Goodwill Wishes
We have just returned from the vibrant city of Foshan, China, where we experienced the inaugural Leading Your International School (LYIS) conference – an event that surpassed all expectations in both spirit and substance. The conference was a powerful celebration of international education, distinguished by its thoughtful design, meaningful connections, and a genuine sense of community. It brought together educators from all corners of the globe, unified by a shared passion for transformative leadership and a belief in the power of education to shape a better world.
One of the most striking aspects of the conference was the richness and variety of the workshops. These sessions were thoughtfully curated to meet the evolving needs of today’s school leaders, with a compelling mix of practical insights, strategic guidance, and reflective inquiry. From sessions exploring innovative leadership models to those focusing on equity, well-being, and sustainability in international schools, the learning experiences offered were both challenging and deeply rewarding.
What stood out most was the calibre and diversity of our presenters. It was heartening to see relatively young educators stand shoulder-to-shoulder with veteran leaders – those who have walked the path for decades and generously shared their insights. This intergenerational dialogue created a learning atmosphere that was not only rich in content but also profoundly human in tone. It reminded us that leadership is not just about title or tenure, but about our collective willingness to grow, to serve, and to lead with purpose.
This inaugural event has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for the future of LYIS. It serves as a launchpad for the continued growth and expansion of our programmes, grounded in the belief that leadership development should be inclusive, accessible, and anchored in the real-world experiences of educators from diverse contexts. At LYIS, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that leadership can – and should – emerge from every level of the school community.
The promise of opportunity for all is very much alive in our work. As we move forward, we are committed to creating even more spaces for dialogue, reflection, and professional growth. Our aim is not just to run conferences, but to build a movement – one that nurtures meaningful leadership in international schools, champions diversity of thought, and empowers educators to lead with authenticity and courage.
Have you had a moment to reflect on what you would like to see in our next conference? What themes or conversations would help you grow in your leadership journey? We deeply value your input and are committed to shaping #LYIS26 with your voices at the centre. Planning is already underway, and we are carefully reviewing the insightful feedback we received from delegates. Your reflections are helping us to envision a future gathering that builds on the momentum we’ve created together.
At this point, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated secretariat, led by our CEO André Double, whose tireless work and visionary leadership were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Thank you, André, for steering this bold initiative with such clarity and purpose.
Our sincere gratitude also goes to the team at Foshan EtonHouse International School for being such gracious and supportive partners. Your hospitality and professionalism helped create a welcoming and energising space where deep learning and collaboration could flourish. The Board of LYIS is deeply grateful for the sense of community that has been nurtured throughout this experience, one that will continue to grow as our network expands and our mission deepens.
To all our attendees, presenters, partners, and supporters: thank you for showing up with open minds, generous spirits, and a shared commitment to reimagining the future of international education leadership. #LYIS25 was a success because of each and every one of you.
As we look ahead to the next chapter, let us carry forward the energy, insights, and inspiration we gained in Foshan. Let us continue to support one another, challenge one another, and dream together. The journey is just beginning—and with your continued involvement, the future is full of promise.
Warmest wishes for the road ahead, and thank you once again for making #LYIS25 an unforgettable milestone.
Juma Nyamori, Head Teacher, Rusinga Schools, Nairobi
Chair of the Board, LYIS
