Karen Elliott

Episode 31: Gospel Education: Why Education Belongs to the Church

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Pastor Nate Walker about Gospel Education and why he believes education is an essential part of Christian discipleship. Drawing on his experience founding Trinity Classical School, Walker explains how churches can use classical Christian education to form students in Scripture, history, theology, the liberal arts, and a biblical vision of the world. Together, they…

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Episode 30: Building a Classical Christian Teachers College in Uganda: Training Teachers, Transforming Nations

In this episode of The Rafiki Foundation Podcast, Karen Elliott interviews David and Michelle Graves. The Graves share how Rafiki’s Classical Christian Teachers College in Uganda is preparing a new generation of educators to teach with wisdom, creativity, and biblical conviction. Through daily Bible study, rich literature, thoughtful discussion, and integrated learning, students are discovering…

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Episode 29: Cultivating Classical Christian Education in a Cross-Cultural Setting

In this episode of The Rafiki Foundation Podcast, Karen Elliott sits down with Shakiyla Solomon, Kelly Fore, and Erica Robertson to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of cultivating faculty for classical Christian education in cross-cultural settings. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience operating schools across 10 African nations, the conversation explores how educators can faithfully implement classical…

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Episode 28: Teaching Truth in a Digital Age: Why Parents Need Classical Education

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Dr. Robert Littlejohn about his co-authored book Wisdom and Eloquence for Parents and explores why classical Christian education remains a proven model in an age of rapid cultural and technological change. Together, they contrast classical learning with progressive education, highlighting how it forms the mind, strengthens reading and reasoning, and cultivates lifelong wisdom….

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Episode 27: More Than a Mission Trip: Discovering Classical Christian Education at Rafiki

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Veritas Scholars Academy teacher Corey Piper as he shares his experience leading students on a mission trip to the Rafiki Village in Kenya. Through classroom service, Rafiki Bible Studies, and friendships with African students and teachers, he witnessed how classical Christian education and daily Scripture study shape both minds and hearts. Corey…

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Episode 26: Classical Christian Education: Going Global with Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener. Together they explore the remarkable global growth of classical Christian education and the mission of the Society for Classical Learning to strengthen and expand it in partnerships with organizations like Rafiki Foundation. From Africa to India to Latin America, they explore the opportunities and challenges of translating the classical…

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Episode 25: The Good Teacher: Cultivating Wisdom, Wonder, and Virtue

In this thoughtful and contemplative conversation, Karen Elliott interviews Dr. Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben. Together they reflect on what makes a teacher truly “good” within the classical Christian tradition, drawing from their work on The Good Teacher and the new ClassicalU course by the same name. They explore the teacher’s sacred vocation as one who imitates Christ,…

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Episode 24: Logic, Language, and Love: The Mission of John and Gwen Cicone

In this inspiring episode, John and Gwen Cicone share how classical Christian education is flourishing at the Rafiki Village in Moshi, Tanzania—right in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. From K-12 classrooms to teacher training colleges, they describe the life-changing impact of an education rooted in Scripture, logic, and love. Discover how their students—many from rote-learning…

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Episode 23: From Mexico to Malawi: Leading the Teacher’s College at the Rafiki Village

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…

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Episode 22: Beyond the Concert: Global Worship Through Music

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…

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