A Word from the Executive Director

As we come to the end of yet another amazing year we stop to reflect with sincere gratitude  the faithfulness of God that has sustained us throughout the year.

We as ACSI Zimbabwe would like to express our appreciation to the Boards of Governors, Headmasters, teachers, students and parents for the relentless support you give to your schools. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the financial support you give towards ACSI. May the Lord continue to enlarge and bless your work as educators. Our motto says, “we are stronger together.”

Allow me to share a few nuggets of  encouragement as we prepare for the new year which is just around the corner.

As schools we have a unique,  powerful opportunity to impact our nation through Christ centered education by demonstrating values that are biblically based.

Let us aim to create a spiritually rich environment where authentic faith is lived out and not just taught.

Let us empower our teachers to be kingdom educators who are mentors and not just academic tutors.

We need to ask God to enable our teachers to integrate faith into all subjects connecting biblical principles to real life situations.

There’s need to impact the teacher with the understanding that teaching is a calling and learning is for life and service.

There’s need to give recognition and reward  our students who demonstrate Christ-like behaviour.

Make it your objective as a School to become a recognisable and trusted brand in the community. Ensure to build a reputation for discipline, care and faithfulness. It goes without saying that parents trust schools that embody their values consistently.

In conclusion always remember that a faith-based school becomes a school of preference because it produces people of integrity, compassion and excellence – the kind the world needs most.

May the holiday season bring you rest, joy and renewal. We look forward to 2026 full of hope, promise and new opportunities. We want you to know that you’re appreciated, valued and celebrated. Together we are stronger. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR.

Dr Joe Mundamawo 

ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director

Highlights of 2025

Without a doubt our Christian Educators’ Conference in September just prior to the start of the third term was a high point and a wonderful success with over 400 delegates attending and 30 speakers, the majority from Zimbabwe, but also from Australia, Guinea and South Africa.  Informative and challenging presentations in Christian education and practical topics under the theme of “The Power of Scripture – To Transform – To Grow – To Live out Our Faith” were delivered.  

Defining Moments for ACSI Zimbabwe

Of great significance and with grateful thanks and praise to the Lord, ACSI Zimbabwe was recognised as a GLOBAL LICENSED MEMBER. This agreement was signed with ACSI Global on Thursday 4th September at the Christian Educators’ Conference. Dr Sosthene Maletoungou, ACSI Africa Director and ACSI Zimbabwe Board Chairperson, Mr Eric Zinyengere signed the agreement, officially recognising ACSI Zimbabwe as the sixth independent country office in Africa.  

Above: Signing of GLM Agreement

Below: ACSI Board and Office Staff with ACSI Africa Director and ACSI SA Team

ACSI Southern Africa Round Table

ACSI Zimbabwe had four representatives at the first-ever ACSI Southern Africa Roundtable conference, with delegates from ten countries across the region coming together in Johannesburg from 24th to 26th September.   This was the first time that countries with a specific focus on Southern Africa were able to engage with each other. The focus of this meeting centred on the imperatives of bringing Church, Education and the Family into closer alignment.

Above: Zimbabwe delegates L-R : Nozipho Sibanda (Agape College); Gus Hulley (Gateway Primary School); Dr Joe Mundamawo (ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director); Ophezulu Stinta (Agape College) 

Teacher Certification Programme

In October, Janina Meier, the Programme Co-ordinator for the ACSI Africa Teacher Certification Programme which is facilitated in Zimbabwe by Associate Member – GATEWAY CHRISTIAN TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, made a visit to Zimbabwe to spend some time with the TCP facilitators and graduants, as well as to promote the programme.  She accompanied Dr Joe Mundamawo on some school visits to member schools and prospective member schools. 

Should you be interested in hearing more about the TCP, please contact Gateway Teachers’ Training College on +263 77 349 2308.

PSI News

The mission of the Paths to School Improvement is to ensure school leaders are professionally enabled to engage in a continuous school improvement process that is internationally benchmarked to appropriate and attainable standards, resulting in authentic Christian Schools.

How Does it Work?

Leaders from five to ten schools are assigned to a learning group, known as a cohort, for the duration of the PSI process of approximately two years. The cohort will meet for five sessions, each session spaced about three to four months apart. This works out to a session every school holiday. Each session will last three to five days. In between sessions, you will be working with your school, sharing what you have learned about so far to help everyone understand the process of continuous improvement. 

Mode of Delivery?

The sessions during school holidays are physical gatherings where the teachings are delivered via presentations and interactive discussions.

How Much Does it Cost?

• A once off registration payment of US$100.00
• Cost of materials, refreshments and lunches during training days

Time Commitment?

3-5 days each school holiday for approximately 2 years

PSI Review Meeting – Uganda, August 2025

Caroline Chirume and Isabel Skinner travelled to Kampala, Uganda from 7th to 11th August for the PSI Review Meeting. They are both now members of the PSI Africa team which has been established to accommodate the significant growth of PSI in Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and West Africa – We give God all the glory for the growth of this programme in Africa.

Isabel Skinner:  Front row- far left

Caroline Chirume: Centre (5th from the right)

Prayer Points

• PRAISE for God’s faithfulness, sustaining grace and provision.
• For growth and support to more schools across Zimbabwe through increased membership. 
• For growth in being a voice for all schools working with Ministry of Education to support holistic education.
• ACSI Zimbabwe Advisory Board as they implement strategies for growth in 2026.
• ACSI Zimbabwe Members Schools: – those who are facing financial and other challenges.
• PSI Programme: Schools who are currently part of PSI as they implement what they are learning.
• State schooling system.
• Journey mercies for those who will be travelling during the holiday period. 

If you have something to share, have specific prayer requests for your school or response to any article, would like to receive news and information about ACSI – Contact us! info@acsi.co.zw or acsizimbabwe@gmail.com

Chairman’s Report for 2024

First and foremost I would like to thank God for His goodness to us over the year gone by since our last AGM in March 2024. Ecc 4:9 – 10 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who fails and has no one to help them up.” I am personally grateful for each of you and how as a team we have lived out the ACSI motto that we are “Stronger Together”.

Highlights of the Year:

Board and Governance

• Mrs. Charmian Deysel left the Board as of March 2024.
• Miss. Doreen Ndhlela joined the Board in November 2024,  replacing Charmian as one of the two MCC representatives.
• Mrs. Tavonga Goto extended her term on the Board by an additional year, thank you very much, once again for your dedication and sacrifice.
• Continued meetings of all the sub committees.
• Adoption of the Provisional School member status as of March 2024.
• Addition of research and development under the advocacy subcommittee.

Events and Activities

• ACSI Zimbabwe Strategy Day in March 2024.
• Completion of PSI for 9 Schools under Cohort 3 (Bernard Mizeki College, Eaglesvale Preparatory School, Eaglesvale Snr School, Karanda Mission Primary, Lendy Park School, Millennial Academy, Mutarazi Jnr School, Parkview Jnr School, Westque Academy) and Graduation of 6 Certified PSI Trainers (Mr. Dennis Anderson, Mrs. Maggie Gotora, Mr. Paul Juru, Miss.  Hannah Marks, Mr. Simon Scott-Elliot, Mrs. Isabel Skinner).
• Start of PSI Cohort 4 with 5 Schools (Hearts Christian College, Living Stones ECD/Learning Centre, Karanda Mission Primary, Mutarazi Jnr School, Northwest High School).
• Another great Educators Conference in September 2024 – thanks to organizing team and Gateway High School for hosting us again.
• Visits by ASCI Africa Director, Dr Sosthene Maletoungou in November 2024 and  Co-ordinator for ACSI Southern Africa, Mr Cobus Sipsma, in March 2025.
• Heads Conference hosted by Mother Touch Group of Schools in March 2025 with 28 in attendance.
• Weekly on-line prayer meetings on Tuesdays.
• Continued parenting seminars throughout the year with a very successful one at the start of this term (February 2025) attended by over 100 people.
• Successful Launch of the Emerging Leaders Initiative and Teacher Certificate in Biblical Worldview and Integration this February 2025.
• Farewell event for Mr. Kevin Ricquebourg, a faithful servant and our PSI Coordinator, in February 2025.

Other Key Moments

• Increase of membership to 32 Schools with 7 of those as provisional members, with 50% (16) of members accredited, certified or working towards it. Thank you  to Kevin Ricquebourg,  Joe Mundamawo and Tonderai Mandaza for working to grow our schools as we move towards our goal of: 
• “Impacting over 25,000 people, 100 schools and 500 individuals with representation in all provinces by 31 December 2030.”
• Growth of number of active members in our sub committees.
• Adoption of an accounting firm to assist with accounting function.

Special Thanks

As we celebrate these many achievements, we also have some special thanks and sad goodbyes.

• Mrs. Tavongo Goto has diligently served the board for 7 years (1 year more than expected) but she has now completed a full cycle even from a Biblical context and must rotate out, but will remain on the subcommittee, we will be asking her fellow finance subcommittee member Mr. Unity Sakhe to step into the role of interim Finance Committee chair while we continue to look for a suitable replacement.
• As previously mentioned, we also say goodbye to Mr. Kevin Ricquebourg, our PSI Coordinator who has been a diligent and faithful servant of the association and the mandate for bringing Biblically-based, Christ-centered worldview into the education space.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, let’s continue to pray for the hand of God to be upon us as we seek to grow our footprint and impact for His glory. Let me quote Dr Sosthene, “The Zimbabwe office is going to be our next big office in this region, and we will support them wherever they need it!” As already indicated, we have a mandate to impact 25,000 individuals, 100 Schools and 500 Individuals with representation across all provinces by Dec 2030. This is not a small ask and we will need to give some serious consideration to a number of critical issues:

• Strengthening the Finance Sub Committee with more members and the eventual appointment of a new substantive Finance Committee chair;
• Growing the capacity of our administrative office to support a healthy balance for all our staff and to ensure we are not overwhelmed by our growth;
• Clarity on the right partnerships that will support our growth and will align with our mandate;
• Fundraising strategies and approaches that do provide a good balance between expectations from members schools and the services provided;
• Preparing for the 2025 Educators Conference;
• Continued engagements with other key stakeholders such as Government and ATS;
• Establishing a subcommittee or assigning the function of providing ongoing standards and certification oversight and support which will now be a real need as we take various schools from Cohort 3 through their certification processes.

I will conclude by reminding us of our Mission and Vision, our mission is

 “To enable Christian Schools and educators in Zimbabwe, in partnership with ACSI, to effectively prepare students for life.”

Our Vision is

 “to be an Association speaking with a noble and authoritative voice in the education sector, advocating for effective Christian education in schools and tertiary institutions so that Christian School students acquire wisdom, knowledge and biblical worldview as evidenced by a lifestyle of character, leadership, service, stewardship and worship.”

As Romans 8:31 says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Friends, with God on our side, all things are possible. This great calling we have is His, and with Him, we will succeed!

Eric D Zinyengere:  Chairman

Farewell to Kevin Ricquebourg

On Thursday 20th February ACSI Zimbabwe hosted a farewell lunch in honour of Kevin Ricquebourg who has filled the role of PSI Co-ordinator since April 2019. Kevin was recognised for his tireless dedication and commitment to Christian Education in Zimbabwe over a period spanning 36 years – from the time of his appointment as founder Head of Gateway Primary School in 1989, up until his retirement at the end of 2018 and within ACSI Zimbabwe since then.

His vision for Christian Education, along with some other key players, led to the establishment of ACSI in Zimbabwe, with the first key meetings held at Antelope Park in Gweru in June 2012. The Paths to School Improvement (PSI) Programme which he has promoted and overseen for the last six years, with the support of Gateway Schools, has now gained significant traction with one cohort having completed training and four schools having been certified in September 2024, another cohort currently in progress and a further one planned to commence in April this year.

Speeches at the farewell lunch were made by Gus Hulley (on behalf of the Gateway and ACSI Boards of Trustees), Howard Matthews (Head of Bernard Mizeki College), Sarah Cross (on behalf of the PSI Trainers) and Joe Mundamawo, Executive Director of ACSI Zimbabwe. A message was also sent by Brian Bliss, PSI Program Leader for ACSI Global.

We wish Kevin a fruitful future as he relocates overseas later this year, knowing that he will continue to promote the message of Christian Education.

(Above) Farewell Lunch in Honour of Kevin Ricquebourg

(Above) Kevin Ricquebourg with Eric Zinyengere (Board Chair)

(Above) Kevin and Jocelyn Ricquebourg with Board Member – Tavonga Goto

ACSI Global Day of Prayer

On Tuesday 4th March, ACSI Zimbabwe joined with other schools worldwide for the ACSI Global Day of Prayer under the theme – ABIDE.  One of our member schools organised an on-line prayer meeting in which staff from other member schools participated,  whilst others observed times of prayer with the students during the school day.

Visit by ACSI Southern Africa Regional Co-ordinator – Mr Cobus Sipsma

Mr. Cobus Sipsma visited Zimbabwe in the first week of March 2025. His visit to some of our member schools was a tremendous success and blessing. We visited Destiny Primary School in Ruwa where Cobus challenged teachers to embrace Biblical worldview and Biblical integration.  We then visited Eaglesvale school where Cobus addressed the lower and upper six students. His message was warmly received.  Thereafter, we then met with the  heads of Tynwald Primary and Tynwald High Schools.  On Thursday 6th March, Provisional School member – Mother Touch Group of Schools, hosted a Heads Conference which was attended by 28 Heads representing various provinces of the country.  The theme of the conference was “Leading through transformational change in our schools” and there was also a discussion on the issue of drugs and substance abuse.  Thank you to Mrs Salome Mutsinze of Mother Touch Schools and her team for hosting this event in style.

PSI News

The ACSI Paths to School Improvement (PSI) is a strategy to accomplish resourcing as many schools as possible through a school improvement process.

PSI involves a two-year commitment to training, undertaken during school holidays by Heads, and then actioned throughout the term. There is a paid course although the process of improvement continues as a lifelong commitment by the school.

The advantage of this programme is that you walk the continual process in partnership/relationship with other schools, building a community committed to improving Christian Education throughout Zimbabwe and Africa.

• A team led by PSI Certified Trainer, Isabel Skinner, visited Bernard Mizeki College on the 1st of April 2025 to conduct their Affirmation visit.

(Above) From Left to Right: Dennis Mafusire, Sophia Mafusire, Lloyd Chavunduka and Howard Matthews (Head)

• PSI Licensed Trainers will conduct Session 3 training for Candidate trainers from 14th to 16th April
• A new cohort (5) will commence Session 1 training from Monday 5th to Friday 9th May. Should your school be interested in joining this cohort please contact the office as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events

REGISTRATION DETAILS WILL BE ADVISED EARLY TERM 2

Prayer Points

• PRAISE for God’s faithfulness, sustaining grace and provision.

• For growth and support to more schools across Zimbabwe through increased membership.

• For growth in being a voice for all schools working with Ministry of Education to support holistic education.

• ACSI Zimbabwe Advisory Board as they implement strategies for growth in 2025

• ACSI Zimbabwe Members Schools: – those who are facing financial and other challenges;

• PSI Programme :

– Cohort 3 schools working towards certification;

– Schools who are currently part of PSI as they

– Establishment of a new cohort in April 2025.

• State schooling system.

• Journey mercies for those who will be travelling during the holiday period.

If you have something to share, have specific prayer requests for your school or response to any article, would like to receive news and information about ACSI

Contact us! info@acsi.co.zw / acsizimbabwe@gmail.com

Membership Update

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Christian Education Snippets

Dear Colleagues,

I have been sorely tempted to pick up this computer and throw it through the window as hard as I can! It will achieve a whole lot of objectives in one violent movement of explosive energy! The whole screen would defragment itself in 1 ½ seconds – it’s never done anything as quickly as that. It can’t give me those inane little messages “Do not turn off your computer… “I will fix you-permanently!”, the useless little hard drive which purports to be so strong would discover it is anything but. I think I’ll leave that to the last and simply drive over the thing a few times with my Fortuna. Finally I would sweep up all the little pieces into a pile, douse the whole thing with petrol and set it on fire. Oh what joy to see those mischievous keyboard keys melting in the heat! And I would do all of the above fully mindful of what the Bible teaches us:

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”. So what was the so-called “… small spark”

Two days ago I spent nearly a whole morning on the December Snippets. Today when I needed them they couldn’t be found anywhere on my computer. This is not the first time this machine has nearly bettered me. It frequently offers up excuses for its underperformance. It is starting to sound like my cell phone! “You have approximately 304 viruses; your memory is almost finished!–tell me something I don’t know!!” That reminds me. I received a message the other day which I have not had before. “RESTORE TO FACTORY SETTINGS” – Who would say no to a new cell phone! I didn’t-it did!

Having had my rant and probably having made you all wonder why I’m still involved in Christian Education, there’s actually a lesson to be learnt through all this! At Christmas we remember that Jesus Christ came in the flesh and became man in order to redeem men and restore their ‘factory settings’. Our natural default is to sin, in fact we do it from the moment we’re born, but God had in His mind the solution to our sinful natures and default settings when He became man and ‘dwelt among us’. Oh what joy to have His new nature imparted to us when we surrender our lives and our wills to His! That is the true meaning of Christmas – we can stop trying to mend our broken natures and hand ourselves over to the God of all Creation who alone can give us His perfect, sinless nature. That doesn’t mean we don’t have moments when we sin and fail Him (as with my earlier rant!), but my default setting is now no longer to sin automatically – His Holy Spirit now lives in me and I trust, in you. May you rejoice in this amazing gift this Christmas.

‘THANKS BE TO GOD FOR HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT’

K.M. Ricquebourg

PSI Zimbabwe Co-ordinator

A word from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR…..

It is sobering to watch time go by. We are almost a few weeks away before we come to the end of the year 2024. The challenge with time is that we cannot stop it or store it or even stretch it. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:16 that we are to redeem the time because the days are evil. We look back at the start of the year and see how God has led us. Great is God’s faithfulness. The good Lord is sustaining the work of ACSI Zimbabwe.

The third term has been a blessing, following on from an amazing conference.  The feedback we received  from those who attended was uplifting and we give all glory to God.

As a team we derive tremendous joy from the school visits. During this third term we visited the following schools:

• Lendy Park School
• Eaglesvale Junior and Senior Schools
• Destiny Primary School
• Karanda Mission Primary School
• Millennial Academy

I can safely testify that our schools are making great strides  in aligning with what it means to be a Christ -centered schools.  The commitment to teach from a biblical worldview and integrate the Word in lessons is slowly being implemented.

The trip to Karanda Mission Primary school was an eye opener. One of the teachers who successfully completed the Paths to School Improvement Programme had this to say: “The Paths to School Improvement Program opened my eyes and has given me confidence to teach lessons from a biblical worldview.” She is witnessing learners come to a saving knowledge of Christ. A Grade 5 pupil offered to pray for us and her prayer was so moving and inspiring.

It is a great privilege to be asked to speak at our respective member schools, and  has been enriching  to speak at the prize giving ceremonies at  Millennial Academy High, Tynwald Primary and Destiny Primary.

The highlight of the term was the visit by the  ACSI Africa Director Dr Sosthene Maletoungou from 12th to 18th November.  He thoroughly enjoyed his stay in Zimbabwe and it was our privilege to take him around some of our schools. He was able to address member school Heads and gave a moving sermon at Northside Community Church. The ACSI Zim Advisory Board treated Dr Sosthene to a visit to  Bally Vaughan Sanctuary/ Mwanga Lodge where he had an enriching experience seeing the different animals, and was hosted in style by the Putterill Family.  Dr Maletoungou said that his visit to Zimbabwe was “unique and divine”  His heart and soul fell in love with the country.

In conclusion we need to know that we are called and designed for good works according to Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”.Education is the daughter a social enterprise grounded in the structure of the family. Let us keep praying for the execution of our vision which is to speak with an authoritative voice in the education sector advocating for effective Christian education in schools and our tertiary institutions so that Christian school students acquire wisdom, knowledge and biblical worldview as evidenced by a lifestyle of character, leadership, service, stewardship and worship.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a fruitful New Year.

Dr Joe Mundamawo

ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director

CURRENT MEMBER SCHOOLS

If you would like to enquire about membership of ACSI Zimbabwe please contact the office for details : info@acsi.co.zw or acsizimbabwe@gmail.com or call +263 786 031 794  https://acsi.co.zw

Membership Categories are as follows:

1)  INDIVIDUAL: ($10 per term)

2)  SCHOOL:  (0.50c per pupil per term)

3)  ASSOCIATE: $50 per term (for churches / business organisations)

Highlights of 2024

• GRADUATION OF PSI COHORT 3 SCHOOL LEADERS:  APRIL 2024

Cohort 3 completed the PSI programme (2 years) and school leaders from Bernard Mizeki College, Eaglesvale Junior School,  Eaglesvale Senior School,  Karanda Mission Primary, Lendy Park School,  Millennial Academy,  Mutarazi Junior School,  Parkview Junior School and Westque Junior School were awarded their Certificates of Completion of the PSI Professional Development Programme, at a Graduation Ceremony.

Above: PSI Cohort 3 Graduation

• COMMENCEMENT OF PSI COHORT 4 :  APRIL 2024

A further cohort of five schools : Hearts Christian College, Karanda Mission Primary, Living Stones ECD and Learning Centre, Mutarazi Junior School and Northwest High School commenced training in Session 1. A further two schools have since joined this Cohort : Lendy Park School and Mother Touch Group of Schools.

Above: PSI Cohort 4

• ANNUAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR’S CONFERENCE : SEPTEMBER 2024

Over 400 delegates from both member and non-members schools attended the conference under the theme of “Pressing On”.  A total of 29 guest speakers were involved in plenary and workshop sessions,  2 from Australia,  5 from South Africa and the remaining 22, local speakers.  Planning for the 2025 conference has begun – PLEASE DIARISE THE DATE FOR WEDNESDAY 3RD TO FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2025.

Some photos from 2024 Conference…………

Above: ACSI Zimbabwe Executive Director, Dr Joe Mundamawo, opening the 2024 Conference

• VISIT BY ACSI AFRICA DIRECTOR : NOVEMBER 2024

ACSI Zimbabwe was privileged to host a visit by the ACSI Africa Director, Dr Sosthene Maletoungou from Tuesday 12th to Sunday 17th November. This was a time of great encouragement for all the schools and individuals who met and interacted with Dr Sosthene. Schools visits were made to internationally accredited schools : Gateway Primary and Gateway High, and to PSI Certified School (Eaglesvale Senior) and Eaglesvale Junior School. PSI Certified School, Millennial Academy hosted an address by Dr Maletoungou “ACSI Africa Strategy 2050: Called for Good Work” (Ephesians 2:10) to member school Heads.  Dr Maletoungou also visited Gateway Christian Training College to discuss the roll out of the Teacher Certification Pilot Project in February 2025. At the end of a full and fruitful week, Dr Maletoungou, along with Executive Director, Joe Mundamawo, PSI Co-ordinator Kevin Ricquebourg and his wife, Jocelyn and Director of GCTC, Caroline Chirume, were hosted for a tour, game drive and lunch by the Putterill family at Bally Vaughan Sanctuary / Mwanga Lodge. His final day in Zimbabwe, saw Dr Maletoungou preaching at ACSI Associate member, Northside Community Church’s morning worship service, after which he was hosted by Gary and Sarah Cross.

Above: Leadership team – Eaglesvale Schools

Above: Interaction with Eaglesvale Jnr pupils

Above: Leisure time at Bally Vaughan Sanctuary

Above: Infants class at Gateway Primary School

Above: Preaching at Northside Community Church

PSI News

ACSI Zimbabwe extends congratulations to the following member schools who attained PSI Certification following their affirmation visits in September.  These were facilitated by Mr Brian Bliss from PSI Admin, who is based in Kigali, Rwanda.  He was assisted by PSI Certified Trainers, Dennis Anderson, Isabel Skinner and Hannah Marks, as well as a number of school leaders from Cohort 3.  The four schools completed the PSI Programme between April 2022 and April 2024.  They will need to show evidence of continuous school improvement in order to renew their certification on an annual basis.

• Lendy Park School
• Millennial Academy
• Eaglesvale Senior School
• Westque Junior School

Cohort 4 schools will receive training in Session 2 from 9th to 13th December

We hope to recruit sufficient schools to establish a new cohort to commence training in April 2025

The ACSI Paths to School Improvement (PSI) is a strategy to accomplish resourcing as many schools as possible through a school improvement process.

For more information email info@acsi.co.zw or telephone +263 786 031 794

• PSI Involves a two-year commitment to training, undertaken during school holidays by Heads, and then actioned throughout the term. There is a cost involved. The process of improvement continues as a lifelong commitment by the school.
• The advantage of this programme is that you walk the continual process in partnership/relationship with other schools, building a community committed to improving Christian Education through Zimbabwe and Africa.

Above: Brian Bliss (PSI Admin) with Lisa Nyabasa (Admin) and Caroline Masanga (Head) of Westque Junior School

FORTHCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES….

Registration open…..

https://forms.gle/i8ZHUqJsaukiH5gv8

Introducing the Teacher Certificate in Biblical Worldview & Biblical Integration

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Teacher Certificate in Biblical Worldview & Biblical Integration. This course is designed to equip educators with the tools and understanding needed to seamlessly integrate a Biblical worldview into their teaching practice, empowering them to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.

The programme is open to educators at any level.

Application is online – copy and paste this link https://forms.gle/Bk8HG8QnyaJ119aq9

This is a unique opportunity to grow as an educator while reinforcing the foundation of a Biblical worldview in your teaching. Take the next step in your professional journey and join us in transforming education for His glory!

Please contact the office should you require further information (info@acsi.co.zw) / +263 786 031 794

https://forms.gle/Bk8HG8QnyaJ119aq9

Prayer Pointers

• PRAISE for God’s faithfulness, sustaining grace and provision.

• For growth and support to more schools across Zimbabwe through increased membership.

• For growth in being a voice for all schools working with Ministry of Education to support holistic education.

• ACSI Zimbabwe Advisory Board as they strategise for growth in 2025

• ACSI Zimbabwe Members Schools: – those who are facing financial and other challenges;

• PSI Programme :
  • Praise for four schools who achieved PSI Certification in October 2024
  • Cohort training in December 2024
  • Schools who are currently part of PSI as they implement what they are learning;
  • Establishment of a new cohort in April 2025

• State schooling system;

• Journey mercies for those who will be travelling during the holiday period

If you have something to share, specific prayer requests or response to any article, please  contact us : info@acsi.co.zw

acsizimbabwe@gmail.com

If you would like to receive latest news from ACSI Southern Africa please notify by email to info@acsi.co.zw or acsizimbabwe@gmail.com

 A S S O C I A T I O N O F C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L S I N T E R N A T I O N A L / I S S U E 3 / 2 0 2 1 

Christian Education Snippets

(Kevin Ricquebourg)

THE PALE BLUE DOT

Dear Colleagues,

In September 1977 NASA launched Voyager 1, a 722- kilogram robotic spacecraft on a mission to study the outer Solar System and eventually interstellar space. By November 1980 the spacecraft had completed its primary mission and reverted to its secondary task – that of investigating the boundaries of the Solar System. Still travelling at 64,000 km/hr Voyager was at that stage the most distant human-made object from Earth and the first one to leave the Solar System. Having been in operation for 43 years, nine months and 21 days as of 26 June 2021, it was anticipated that it would have powered down well before that date. As the spacecraft was about to leave our solar system and head out into deep space it was decided to take one last picture of the earth before it became invisible. The wireless command to take the photograph was accordingly sent by NASA on February 14, 1990. Because of the vast distances involved it would take 5 ½ hours for the signal to reach Voyager 1. When it did so, its two cameras turned and faced backwards for the last time. There were many concerns at the time that it was not a wise thing to take the photograph as the proximity of the spacecraft to the sun might damage the workings of the cameras and also use up quite a lot of the craft’s remaining power. Nevertheless, the picture was taken and relayed back to NASA. The result was the picture at the top of the previous page. Can you see the Earth? It appears as a tiny dot against the vastness of space, approximately 6 billion kilometres away, almost halfway up the brown band on the right. After taking the picture the mission managers commanded Voyager 1 to power its cameras down as it would need all its reserves for the long journey into interstellar space.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands…Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

When Carl Sagan, a 20th-century astronomer and atheist saw the picture he said, “We live on an insignificant planet, of a humdrum star, lost in a galaxy, tucked away in some forgotten corner of the universe. … We float in this immense cosmos, like a moat of dust in the morning sky.”

And yet… that is our home! That is where everyone that we know and love lives. That is where our children and grandchildren live. It is where we will die and be buried (unless Jesus comes before then!) It is where all the dictators who ever lived have spent hours and hours dreaming up ways of conquering the Earth which, from the vantage point of Voyager, measures 1/10 of a pixel in diameter! Let’s look at it from another angle.

If you went out and stood on your front lawn and looked up into the sky while Voyager took another photograph of the earth – would you recognise yourself in the photograph? Of course not! You would be smaller than an atom! And yet, notwithstanding the immensity of our God who fills the whole universe, He has thoughts about you today – in fact lots of them!

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:17-18

This is the God who gives us our significance. He sent His Son to that pale blue dot where He lived a sinless life as one of us and then died… for us! In these actions he gave us two immense gifts. In His death he paid the penalty for our sins and He removed our guilt. His sinless life is His gift to us – it is what God will see on the day of judgement when every thought and deed of ours is weighed in the balance – and found wanting! He sees the perfect life of Christ lived on our behalf and He opens his arms wide and welcomes us in as the apple of His eye! (Psalm 17:8)

K.M. Ricquebourg

(ACSI-Zimbabwe Coordinator)

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT……….

I have been reflecting much on what it means to be a Christian  teacher  and  how  to  ensure  that  Christian Education  becomes  a  reality  in  our  classrooms,  and into the lives of our students. At the start of our recent school holidays, I ran a workshop for a small mission school on laying Biblical foundations, and stressed the importance  of  the  daily,  dogged,  discipline  of  being intentional at hiding God’s Word in our hearts, and the hearts of our students. How do we do this? We know that to be a good teacher, we first need to be a good learner/student.  And  so,  we  need  to  ensure  that  we make  time  everyday  to  be  in  God’s  Word,  learning from  it,  meditating  upon  it,  wrestling  with  it,  and obeying it.

Today, mark out your day, prioritising time with Jesus in His Word. Be still. Think deeply. Ponder upon the Truth. Tomorrow, do the same. Each day, make time for reading God’s Word and listening to His voice.

In  an  interesting  article  by  Erik  Raymond,  aimed  at pastors and teachers of the Word, he talks about how to  not  become  bland  and  boring,  reminding  us  how pastors work hard to get the sermon into their souls, and  then  process  it  into  practical  meat  for  the  ears, minds and souls of their congregants. Erik takes us to the   words   of   Jesus   in   Luke   6:45   where   Jesus comments,  “out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart,  the mouth  speaks”.  What  comes  out  of  our  mouths  as teachers  is  precisely  what  is  filling  our  minds  and hearts  throughout  the  day/week.  Think  about  that. That   is   what   makes   Christian   education   real.   The abundance of God’s Goodness and His truth as it fills our hearts and minds and translates into every part of our   lives   and   oozes   out   into   our   lessons,   and classrooms like a fresh fragrance, an aroma of Christ, as our Lord and Saviour. As Creator and King.

As you embark on another term, a cold term, a term that still threatens covid and possible lockdowns and mixed learning and teaching opportunities, may you take courage in your calling. May you hear your name and call from God, who when asked by Moses how he could do the job that God called him to do of leading His people out of slavery, God said, “I am with you”.

When Joshua questioned how he was to conquer Jericho, God said, “I am with you”. The “I am”, is with you today, tomorrow and each day of this coming term. Be bold and courageous, and walk in obedience to His Word, delighting in it. We are praying for you and with you. Every Monday morning, we gather as a board and pray. We meditate on God’s Word and use it to direct our prayers and thoughts for you. God is faithful. May you be the  aroma  of Christ in your classroom, the abundance of God’s Word bubbling forth from your mouth in ALL your lessons and interactions.

We   look   forward   to   bringing   you some   great   teaching   and   learning opportunities in August/September through   our   online   conference,   “A Lifetime of Learning to Live for God’s Glory”. Refer to details further on.

Blessings in and through Christ in Education,

Sarah Cross (Chairperson)

CURRENT MEMBER SCHOOLS

Celebration International School Eaglesvale Junior School Eaglesvale Senior School Gateway High School

Gateway Primary School Karanda Primary School Lendy Park School Maranatha Group of Schools Midlands Christian School Midlands Christian College Millennial Academy

Mutarazi Junior School Rainbow Pre-School Southern Lights Trust Success Tutorial College

CALENDER

 FIRST TERM

2021

June: Tuesday 1st (11:00am) : ACSI Zimbabwe Board Meeting

 SECOND TERM

July: Commences Friday 9th Online course: Theology of Christian Education

Gateway Christian Training College

July: Friday 16th Introduction to PSI (for interested participants) (POSTPONED)

July : Friday 30th Workshop: A Biblical Perspective of School Interactions – with pupils and fellow staff members Gateway Christian Training College

August : Fridays 13th /20th /27th Weekly releases – online Christian Educators’

Conference

September: Friday 3rd Final release – online Christian Educators’ Conference

September: Thurs 9th to Saturday 18th PSI Training – Candidate Trainees and Cohort 2

(POSTPONED)

 THIRD TERM

October: Tuesday 12th (11:00am) ACSI Zimbabwe Board Meeting

November Global Leadership Summit

November Grade 7 Pupil Leadership Workshop

Gateway Primary School (tbc)

The ACSI Paths to School Improvement (PSI) is a strategy to accomplish resourcing as many schools as possible through a school improvement process.

For more information: email info@acsi.co.zw or

Tel: +263 786 031 794

Involves a two-year commitment to training, undertaken during school holidays by Heads, and then actioned throughout the term. There is a cost involved. The process of improvement continues as a lifelong commitment by the school.

The  advantage  of  this  programme  is  that  you  walk the continual process in partnership/relationship with other  schools,  building  a  community  committed  to improving Christian Education through Zimbabwe and Africa.

PSI REFLECTION

“The myth about leadership is that it’s a solitary act.”

In  Numbers  11,  Moses  is  exhausted,  aggravated  and  complaining  to  the  Lord  about  the  burden  of leadership. “I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! …Just kill me!” I’m sure as leaders we have all had days where we feel like Moses. (Maybe we are having them right now!) How did God respond? He said to gather other recognized leaders who would be able to take some of the load, so Moses would not have to carry everything by himself.

If you’re going to be a leader, you have to be a leader that makes it possible for other people to lead. You may find that God has put you in place of leadership, but He didn’t do it to turn you into a controlling, stressed  out,  loner.  We  were  created  for  relationships,  and  leadership  is  all  about  relationships. leadership is influence and influence requires a relationship. We have goals, desires, and a vision of what we would like to see happen. But be assured…if it is a God given vision, you will work best when sharing the vision with other godly people who walk with you as co-laborers. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 Sure, you might be the original “visionary” but I appreciate the quote, “Leaders, prepare for your departure.” It’s a process: We need mentors, and must mentor others, serving and strengthening them to become serving leaders.

Who are you leading? Or rather: Who are you with? Who is alongside of you on the journey?  “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2: 2-3

Stronger Together! Brian (For the PSI Team)

Paths to School Improvement / Programme d’Amélioration Scolaire

A Program of / Un programme de: Association of Christian Schools International

If we’ve learned anything as a country throughout our history, it’s that the ways we see leaders leading in times of crisis will define legacies, often determining whether one is reviled or revered. This is because times of crisis expose the heart and skills (or lack thereof) in leaders much faster than times of peace and prosperity.

In churches, in families, and in work environments of all kinds, true leaders can pull people together in spite of the chaos that swirls around them. Here are 5 C’s that leaders need to provide in times of crisis.

1. Calm

Resisting the urge to panic in a crisis is critical for leaders. That’s how a leader lays a foundation for everything else to follow. By remaining calm, a leader is able to think, analyze, problem-solve, and communicate more effectively. Calm is not the absence of fear, but the presence of mind to set fear aside and focus on what’s important.

1. Compassion

When we lose our ability to see the humanity in others, we begin to lose our grip on our morals and ethics. Having compassion for the hurting and the suffering is also important for leaders in prioritizing resources and vulnerabilities in a time of crisis. To ignore suffering is to undercut the power of self-sacrificial love.

1. Clarity

Judgment and understanding quickly can be clouded in a crisis by a barrage of thoughts, emotions, and questions. It’s imperative for leaders to be able to clear the mental clutter, and deal with what is known and what can be done, instead of what is unknown and out of one’s control. Just pausing to breathe and simply asking “What do we know and what can we do?” is a good start to clarity.

1. Creativity

Great leaders can accomplish what seems impossible in times of crisis, often because they are able to find creative ways to solve problems. Untold thousands of pages have been written on Abraham Lincoln’s navigation of the Civil War, recounting how he continually and creatively adapted to the resources and strengths of even his greatest rivals. A creative mind can find unexpected solutions.

1. Calculation

In football, you often hear the winning coach talk after a game about the importance of halftime adjustments. In a crisis, a true leader doesn’t stay on autopilot but continuously takes in new information to calculate and recalculate the potential paths through the situation. Leadership is not just setting a gameplan for a potential crisis; it’s assessing and changing that gameplan in the middle of a crisis when the calculations call for adjustments.

I hope this list gives you some ideas of how to evaluate leaders in your life and inspires us to become better in every context of leadership.

Source:http://www.markmerrill.com/leading-in-times-of-crisis utm_term=markmerrill&utm_campaign=MM%20Blog%20Post&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=123656015&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-

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PRAYER POINTERS

Re-commencement of PSI (Paths to School Improvement) training

Schools who are currently part of PSI as they implement what they are learning;

Implementation of PSI App (Local Host Partner); ACSI Zimbabwe Advisory Board;

Sean Moore as Director of ACSI Southern Africa and his leadership and mentoring role of schools in SA during these challenging times;

ACSI Zimbabwe Members Schools: – those who are facing financial and other challenges;

State schooling system;

Preparation for online Christian Educators’ Conference in August; Protection for our communities, schools and families from Covid 19

If you have something to share, specific prayer requests or response to

any article, please contact us :

info@acsi.co.zwacsizimbabwe@gmail.com

If you would like to receive latest news from ACSI Southern Africa please notify by email to

info@acsi.co.zwacsizimbabwe@gmail.com

If you would like to enquire about membership of ACSI Zimbabwe please contact the office for details : info@acsi.co.zw or acsizimbabwe@gmail.com or call +263 786 031 794

Membership Categories are as follows:

1. INDIVIDUAL:($10 per term)
2. SCHOOL:(0.50c per pupil per term)
3. ASSOCIATE: $50 per term (for churches / business organisations)