Association of International Schools in Africa

For over five decades, the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) has been developing and delivering strategic programmes supporting professional growth, good governance, strategic thinking, and wellbeing in international schools across the continent.

From their main office located in Nairobi Kenya, AISA provides their members with access to world-leading experts, advisors, trainers, and facilitators specialising in matters such as school governance and leadership, professional learning, blended learning, child protection and wellbeing, inclusive education, innovation, technology, and more.[1]

AISA’s membership includes Associate Members comprising businesses, organisations, and universities throughout the world whose primary mission is to serve the various needs of their member schools.

AISA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organisation registered in the state of Delaware (USA) and funded by the US State Department's Office of Overseas Schools.

AISA is dedicated to transforming student learning by leading and supporting professional growth, good governance, strategic thinking, and the wellbeing of the entire AISA community of schools.:[2]

Adult and student safety and wellbeing are critical foundations for learning. AISA believes that all students and staff, regardless of age, special needs, gender, race, culture, religion or belief, or family circumstance, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse. AISA is committed to helping member schools embrace diversity and inclusion and create communities where all are safe, nurtured, respected, accepted, and protected.

Following the AISA conference in October 2022, the AISA Board embarked on a new and exciting journey to transform the board’s make-up and structure to align with best governance practices and to improve its diverse and inclusive representation.

The AISA board now uses a hybrid model comprising five elected School Heads from within AISA’s membership and four appointed members who do not need to be Heads of Schools and may be from within or outside the AISA membership.

Elected members of the Board of Directors will serve for a term of three years, and appointed members of the Board will sit for a term of two years, after which a review will take place to determine if the term will be extended.  

The AISA team supporting the functions of the association consists of the following roles:

• Executive Director
• Deputy Executive Director (Professional Learning and Strategic Partnerships)
• Child Protection and Wellbeing Programme Coordinator
• Finance and Administration Manager
• AISA Accounts Administration Officer  
• Events, Marketing, and Communications Manager
• AISA Membership Engagement Officer

AISA’s sponsorship and marketing opportunities allow Associates to build brand awareness and promote their products and services to current and potential clients within the AISA membership, including school leaders, educators, and other educational professionals working in international schools in Africa.

AISA’s Showcased Associate offer includes a dedicated emailer, social media post, and a highlight on the AISA website’s Associate Directory as well as a home page feature and article on AISA’s website news page. This opportunity is open to all AISA Associates, and AISA’s marketing team will assist in the creation and compilation of the marketing elements if required.

AISA’s Professional Learning (PL) events are focused, high-impact events that address the unique qualities of teaching, leading, and learning in an international school setting. AISA values learning where participants collaborate, practice in their school setting and are ready to implement meaningful, sustained change as a result of their PL experience.

With this in mind, AISA has designed Deep Dives that blend synchronous and asynchronous PL. Each Deep Dive takes a thematic focus and explores it in-depth, thus preparing participants to take the next steps in their practice at school. The AISA Conference combines impactful professional learning with conversations to connect and reflect with colleagues from across the region.

As well as offering aspects of teaching, leading, and learning, AISA provides specialist learning opportunities for co-professionals in schools, including librarians, counsellors, business managers, school nurses, and admissions managers. Everyone in the AISA network of schools has the opportunity to learn collaboratively, share good practices, and contribute further to the effectiveness of their schools.

• AISA