Podcast: The Rafiki Foundation Podcast

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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Episode 21: Deserts, Dante, and Discipleship: The Global Mission of Classical Education

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…

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Episode 20: Bryan and Alexis McDaniel from Suburbs to Service: A Missionary Family’s Journey to Rafiki

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…

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Episode 19: Lori McDaniel on the Great Commission

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…

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Episode 18: What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem

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.

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Episode 17: Robyn Burlew on Classical Christian Education and African Learning Traditions

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.

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Episode 16: Church Planting History in Sub-Saharan Africa

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.

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