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

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 [https://rafikifoundation.org/missionaries], Kelly Fore [https://www.rafikiclassicalacademy.org/faculty], and Erica Robertson [https://rafikifoundation.org/leadership] 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 Christian education even when teachers have little exposure to classical pedagogy, limited theological training, and significant pressure from national exam systems. The panel highlights practical strategies that have helped Rafiki schools thrive, including daily Bible study, ongoing teacher in-service training, regular classroom observations, mentorship through head teachers, and the use of a scripted classical Christian curriculum. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that transformational education is not merely about passing exams, but about shaping students’ hearts, minds, and appetites toward the good, true, and beautiful. The episode ultimately serves as an encouragement to schools around the world seeking to implement classical Christian education in challenging or resource-limited environments. For more information about the ministry and educational work discussed in this episode, visit Classical Academic Press [https://classicalacademicpress.com/] and Rafiki Foundation [https://rafikifoundation.org/].

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

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Dr. Robert Littlejohn [https://www.wisdomandeloquence.org/] about his co-authored book Wisdom and Eloquence for Parents [https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/wisdom-and-eloquence-for-parents?_pos=1&_sid=b28e39b30&_ss=r] 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. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, history, and Christian discipleship, this conversation offers parents a compelling vision for educating both the intellect and the soul.

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 [https://veritaspress.com/team-member/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 [https://resources.rafikifoundation.org/pages/rafiki-bible-studies-for-schools], and friendships with African students and teachers, he witnessed how classical Christian education and daily Scripture study shape both minds and hearts. Corey reflects on the beauty of Rafiki’s [https://rafikifoundation.org/]model—combining discipleship, education, and community—and why he hopes more families will experience it firsthand.  Educators and families interested in classical Christian education may also explore the curriculum, teacher training, and scholarly resources published by Classical Academic Press [https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections], which serve schools, homeschools, and classical programs around the world.

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

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Eric Cook [https://societyforclassicallearning.org/about/] and Dr. David Diener [https://societyforclassicallearning.org/about/]. Together they explore the remarkable global growth of classical Christian education and the mission of the Society for Classical Learning [https://societyforclassicallearning.org/] to strengthen and expand it in partnerships with organizations like Rafiki Foundation [http://rafikifoundation.org/]. From Africa to India to Latin America, they explore the opportunities and challenges of translating the classical tradition across cultures while remaining rooted in historic Christian faith and the formation of virtuous leaders. Drawing inspiration from the tradition championed by thinkers such as C.S. Lewis [https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/giants-in-the-history-of-education/products/c-s-lewis-an-apologist-for-education] and Augustine [https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/giants-in-the-history-of-education/products/augustine-rejoicing-in-the-truth], this conversation casts a bold vision for leadership, philanthropy, and global collaboration to build thriving schools that form wise, virtuous students for generations to come.

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 [https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/the-good-teacher-ten-key-pedagogical-principles-that-will-transform-your-teaching?_pos=1&_sid=ba0930d58&_ss=r] and the new ClassicalU course [https://classicalu.com/course/1952d3ba-0a94-4000-8179-8e208a2aa805]by the same name. They explore the teacher’s sacred vocation as one who imitates Christ, cultivates wonder, and orders students’ loves toward truth, goodness, and beauty. Along the way, they share insights from their experience with Latin [https://classicalacademicpress.com/collections/song-school-latin], their involvement with Rafiki Foundation [http://rafikifoundation.org/], their teacher resources [https://goodteacherbook.com/], and how classical educators can recover teaching as a formative art rooted in the Logos.