Holistic Schools (HOLI-S)
Welcome to Holistic Schools (HOLI-S)! We are a transformative hybrid organization that fosters psychologically safe and social-emotionally enriching school environments in Zambia and across Africa. Our reliance on contextualized evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks empower learners to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Join us in shaping a brighter future for all students.
Cultivate the full potential of African schools with Us
Empowering the child through holistic schools. Join our mission to prepare the whole child for the future.
About Us
Our Story Holistic Schools was founded by Michael Louis Phiri, a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, a Global Health Corps alumnus, and Human Development Consultant, while pursuing his studies at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts. He is a member of the Harvard Innovation Lab. His passion for this work stems from his own troubled childhood, during which he lacked access to professional counseling services at home or in the schools he attended. Growing up in a family with limited understanding of the impact of adverse childhood experiences on child development, he endured significant challenges. At the age of 15, he nearly attempted suicide but received no professional intervention or support throughout these experiences. Only his resilience got him through. Driven by these challenges, Michael pursued a degree in Psychology at the University of Zambia, specializing in child and adolescent development. He later advanced his studies in Human Development at Harvard University, where he continues to seek answers to the questions he couldn’t ask as a child and to develop solutions for children like himself who lack access to quality professional social-emotional learning support in schools. Following the success of a pilot consultancy project at a Christian private school with a student population of 1400 running from early childhood to Grade 12 in Lusaka, Zambia. Michael founded Holistic Schools with a vision to address the mental health, social, emotional, and learning support needs of students. The organization is committed to creating psychologically safe and inclusive schools across Africa. Our Leadership Team Mr. Michael Louis Phiri: Founder and visionary leader with 8 years of expertise in child and adolescent development, school counseling, and research. Dr. Derick Singogo, PhD, is an educational psychologist, co-founder, and counselor with 17 years of experience as an educator dedicated to equipping schools with tools to foster emotional resilience. Mrs. Francisca Chisompola-Phiri: A social worker and operations manager focused on the psychosocial well-being of children and their communities. Mission To transform schools across Africa into psychologically safe and inclusive environments for all learners through evidence-based social and emotional learning models. Vision A continent where every child thrives emotionally, socially, and academically. Values Equity and inclusion: ensuring all learners receive the support they need to succeed. Evidence-Based Practices: Utilizing contextualized and evidence-based frameworks to drive holistic child development. Collaboration: building strong partnerships with schools, communities, and stakeholders. Sustainability: Creating lasting solutions for educational transformation.
Prepare the child for the future by building socio-emotional resilience
Empower the Child
Preparing the child for the future through social and emotional skills building
Capacity building African schools
Creating psychosocially supportive and inclusive schools through training of all school staff and creating physically and psychologically safe school environments.
Empowering African parents through collaboration and co-design
Capacity-building guardians and strengthening school-home relationships to empower the child's primary support system.
Empower the child through social and emotional skills building
Empower the whole African child through their educational ecosystem.
Empowering the developing child through schools and communities that consider social and emotional learning a priority.
Promoting holistic child development
Building the capacity of African schools
We align with Sustainable Development Goals: Holistic Schools (HOLI-S) as an organization contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Our work also aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by prioritizing the mental and emotional health of students. Come and collaborate with HOLI-S
Reach Out to Us Today
Contact us to learn more about our initiatives in Lusaka Province, Zambia.