About us

EMPOWERING THE WHOLE CHILD THROUGH SCHOOLS

Holistic Schools Africa is a hybrid social enterprise operating for-profit in private schools and non-profit in government and community schools committed to transforming schools across the continent into emotionally safe, inclusive spaces for all learners.
We support children’s social and emotional development by equipping educators, partnering with communities, and implementing evidence-based, whole-child frameworks that promote healing, resilience, and academic success.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make schools inclusive and psychologically safe spaces by implementing evidence-based social-emotional learning frameworks and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles—tailored to each child’s unique needs within their broader bio-ecological systems

Our Vision

To build a generation of emotionally resilient and socially responsible learners by making every school in Africa a center of inclusion, healing, and holistic growth.

Our Core values

Inclusivity
We embrace and celebrate diversity, ensuring that every learner—regardless of background, ability, or identity—feels seen, heard, and valued.

Psychological Safety
We prioritize environments where students and educators feel emotionally secure, respected, and free to express themselves without fear.

Evidence-Based Practice
We commit to using approaches grounded in research and data to support the emotional and academic growth of all learners.

Equity
We believe in fair access to opportunities, resources, and support—especially for children who are most marginalized.

Holistic Development
We support the whole child—mind, heart, and body—through programs that nurture social-emotional learning alongside academic achievement.

Collaboration
We work hand-in-hand with families, educators, communities, and policymakers to create lasting change in schools.

Ubuntu
We are guided by the African philosophy of shared humanity: “I am because we are.” We believe healing and growth are communal journeys.

Our Approach

At Holistic Schools Africa, we take a whole-child, community-rooted approach to education. We implement evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks to make schools inclusive, safe, and responsive to every learner’s needs.

Our model is grounded in the bio-ecological systems theory, recognizing that a child's growth is shaped by their relationships with teachers, caregivers, and the wider community. Through teacher training, family engagement, and culturally rooted practices like Ubuntu, we create nurturing environments where learners can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Our Team

Mr. Michael Louis Phiri: Founder and visionary leader with 8 years of expertise in human development. He has special expertise in child and adolescent development, school counseling, and research. Michael is currently a graduate student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a Global Center for International Development Research Fellow, a Global Health Cops Fellowship Alumnus, and a Member of the Harvard Innovation Lab.

Dr. Derick Singogo, PhD:  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.

Ms. Francisca Chisompola: A social worker and operations manager focused on the psychosocial well-being of children and their communities. Her experience is more in community-based work with children and youths, school counseling and learner support.

Mr Andrew Bakuluma: An Educator with over 25 years of teaching, school leadership, coaching, curriculum content development, and implementation in the non-profit educational sector.

Mrs Margaret Musoni is an educator with over 20 years of experience in Zambian government primary schools. Her expertise is teacher coaching and mentoring using Universal Design for Learning Principles.