About us

EMPOWERING THE WHOLE CHILD THROUGH SCHOOLS

The Centre for Holistic Schools Global (CHOLI-S) is a hybrid social enterprise—operating for-profit in private schools and non-profit in government and community schools—committed to transforming learning environments into emotionally safe, inclusive spaces for all learners.

We support children’s social and emotional development by equipping educators, partnering with families and communities, and implementing evidence-based, whole-child frameworks that foster healing, resilience, and academic success.

Through our global network, we amplify this mission to serve African schools, immigrant-origin children, and neurodiverse learners worldwide, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

 

Our Story

The Centre for Holistic Schools Global (CHOLI-S) was born out of lived experience, resilience, and a shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically—no matter where they come from.

What began as informal, community-based initiatives in Zambia in 2021 grew into a global vision in 2024 when the organization was officially founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and incubated at the Harvard Innovation Labs during Michael Louis Phiri’s graduate studies at Harvard University. There, the seeds of a local dream evolved into a bold, evidence-informed movement for transforming education across Africa and beyond.

Michael, alongside his co-founder Dr. Derick Singogo, drew deeply from their own lived realities. Both experienced troubled childhoods marked by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which left lasting emotional scars. While they eventually persevered through education, they recognized that many of their childhood peers, equally capable and full of potential, continued to struggle with unresolved trauma that schools were never equipped to address.

This realization propelled them to study psychology and human development—not only to make sense of their own experiences but to reimagine schools as buffers against adversity. They envisioned education systems that nurture the whole child, where learners are supported to heal, grow, and flourish.

At the heart of CHOLI-S is the belief that schools must be more than academic institutions—they should be safe, nurturing ecosystems that promote mental health, social-emotional learning, resilience, and culturally responsive care. While Africa remains the cornerstone of our work, our vision now extends globally to include immigrant-origin children and neurodiverse learners, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make schools inclusive and psychologically safe spaces by implementing evidence-based social-emotional learning frameworks, mental health & Psychosocial support programs, 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, socially responsible learners by making every school—across Africa and globally—a center of inclusion, healing, and holistic growth.

Our Core Values

Inclusivity

We celebrate diversity and ensure that every learner, regardless of background, ability, or identity, feels seen, heard, and valued.

Psychological Safety

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

Evidence-Based Practice
We use research-backed approaches to support emotional, social, and academic growth.

Equity
We ensure fair access to opportunities, resources, and support—especially for the most marginalized children.
Holistic Development
We nurture the whole child—mind, heart, and body— through programs that integrate social-emotional learning and academic achievement.

Collaboration
We partner with families, educators, communities, and policymakers to drive lasting systemic change.
Ubuntu
Guided by the African philosophy of shared humanity, “I am because we are,” we believe healing and growth are communal journeys.

Our Approach

At CHOLI-S, we adopt a whole-child, community-rooted approach to education. We integrate Social and 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 anchored in bio-ecological systems theory, recognizing that a child’s growth is shaped by their relationships with teachers, caregivers, peers, and the wider community. By combining teacher training, family engagement, evidence-based interventions, and culturally rooted practices like Ubuntu, we create nurturing ecosystems where learners—whether in Africa, the U.S., or globally—can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Neurodiversity and Inclusion
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to children who learn and experience the world differently. For neurodiverse learners—including those with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other developmental variations—we use tailored, evidence-based interventions that support growth and independence.

Our strategies include:

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA):  Structured, individualized methods that build adaptive skills and reduce barriers to learning.
Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches (CBT): Techniques that support self-regulation, resilience, and coping strategies.
Play-Based Interventions: Child-centered practices that foster social connection, communication, and creativity.
These approaches are contextually adapted to cultural and school realities, ensuring that neurodiverse learners are not only included but are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.