by Juma Nyamori
International schools around the world have had a great start to the new academic year, heralding an exciting season for LYIS and its various programmes. This year promises to be even more impactful for us as we continue to develop leadership capacity and provide opportunities for amplifying the voices of educators as we level up international education leadership.
This new year, we are more focused on coming to your schools and getting that first-hand opportunity to observe your magic as you serve the next generation. The CEO of LYIS, André Double and the LYIS Head of Membership, Amy Zhang, have been out and about, with visits to schools in Shenzen, Guangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Frankfurt and many others on the cards. Our aim is to reignite connections with members and also grow membership to LYIS by facilitating in-person testimonials on the value of the programmes that we have rolled out for current and aspiring school leaders. I would like to thank André, Gráinne, my board colleagues and the LYIS team and its members for these sustained efforts to keep the wheels of the organisation warm and active around the world. Our members (who come from over 25 countries) and work in over 80 schools, serving thousands of children and families, are why we do what we do.
This year, we are also keen on professional development at school centres near you, and I would like to interest you in reviewing the LYIS professional development calendar that has already been rolled out, to get a glimpse of the rhythm of engagement that we shall adopt this year. For me and other leaders at LYIS, the excitement of the opportunity to engage with members around the world cannot be overstated. I remember with nostalgia the impact of the inaugural annual conference – #LYIS25, and the warmth on the faces of participants will always remain etched in my memory. I will be honest in telling you that it was a great personal triumph for me and my aspirations. I would never have known that I would make the journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to be part of an engagement so touching and personal as I experienced. It was humbling to get the time and engagement of many seasoned practitioners and my resolve to see that kind of experience back here at home has remained ever so strong!
My people in Africa have a saying: “A visitor is never empty-handed.” The story is told of a widow who shared her last meal with a weary traveller. He revealed himself as a divine messenger, blessing her home with water and harvest. Since then, visitors are seen as bearers of unseen gifts. The LYIS family will be humbled to explore your schools and cultures, to share stories and exchange ideas on the future of education, to grow together and share our humble contribution to the body of knowledge in education. I look forward to these conversations and opportunities as we move ahead.
I would like to encourage all fellow educators and leaders to look out for LYIS school visits and as we are certainly coming to you soon!
To view the LYIS Professional Development Calendar 2025/26, click here
To read previous LYIS school visits, click here
Juma Nyamori, Head Teacher, Rusinga Schools, Nairobi; Chair of the Board, LYIS.
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𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐒-𝐐 is a contextual, values-driven, practical and sustainable qualification designed for international school principals and aspiring school leaders.
The 𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐒-𝐐 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐘𝐎𝐔 and 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋.
Learn, and consistently articulate to boards, owners, and investors about what a good international school is, what it looks like and what it does.
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