In communities where classical Christian education is unknown and values are often shaped by the current cultural tides rather than Scripture, how do we prepare new teachers to step into this rich tradition? Drawing from our experience as school leaders in ten countries across Africa and in the US, we will share practical ways to help a faculty flourish as classical Christian teachers, especially in cross-cultural settings where there are no classical schools nearby to provide readily accessible models. This applies to schools among the urban or rural poor as well.

Shakiyla and Ishaku married in 2020 after meeting in the Rafiki Village Nigeria. They now serve together as Rafiki missionaries. Shakiyla is the Village Headmaster and Ishaku is the Village IT Manager and Plant Management Assistant. The couple felt God’s call to work with Rafiki because of the many opportunities Rafiki allows for staff and students to be trained in academia, vocational skills, and spiritual maturity.

Before serving with Rafiki, Shakiyla was a high school teacher and international educational consultant. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Education from McNeese State University and her master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Grand Canyon University. Ishaku worked as a maintenance employee at the Rafiki Village Nigeria and studied Information Technology at the ECWA International College of Technology.

While serving in Nigeria, the couple has seen lots of tribal unrest but also witnessed God’s sovereignty and protection like never before. It is their hope that in all they do, they reflect the peace that comes from complete faith in God’s unwavering devotion to his people, even in adversity.