Episode 28: Education as a Lifeline: The High School for Refugee Youth

A Quick Summary:

In this episode, hosts Richard Henry, James Dalziel, and James McDonald speak with Polly Akhurst, the co-founder and co-executive director of Amala Education. Polly shares her journey from attending United World College Atlantic to launching a social innovation organization that has transformed the lives of over 7,000 refugee youth. The conversation explores the necessity of alternative education models, the development of the first-ever accredited high school diploma for refugees, and the future of global education.

Bio:

Polly Akhurst is the Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of Amala Education, a social innovation organisation that has transformed the lives of over 7,000 refugee youth through accredited secondary and non-formal education. A passionate advocate for education systems change, Polly has contributed to the OECD’s Education 2030 project and writes publicly about the need for alternative education models. Polly is an alumna of Oxford University, and of UWC Atlantic, where she serves on the Education Committee. She serves on the International Advisory Council of the Asian Women’s Leadership University College in Malaysia.

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Key Conversation Points and Insights:

The Origins of Amala

• UWC Influence: Polly’s experience at UWC Atlantic shaped her belief in values-based, holistic education that serves a greater purpose than just academic grades.

• The "99%" Problem: While working for UWC International, Polly and her co-founder Mia realized that for every 100 refugee applicants for a scholarship, only one would receive a place. Amala was born from the question: "What happens to the other 99?".

Amala’s Educational Model

• Amala Global Secondary Diploma: A 15-month compressed program designed specifically for displaced youth who have had gaps in their schooling.

• Competency-Based Learning: Instead of traditional exams, students are assessed formatively based on 21st-century competencies like ethical leadership, social entrepreneurship, and resilience.

• Accreditation Milestone: In 2024, Amala became the first refugee education organization to gain accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and NEASC.

The Future of Education

• The "Magic Wand" Change: Polly argues that every teacher should be able to answer one question for their students: "Why is this learning important, and how can I use it in my life?".

• Challenging the Purpose: She advocates for moving away from individualistic, 19th-century educational structures toward a system that views education as a collective tool for community and societal change.

Guest Resources:

• Website: Amala Education

• LinkedIn: Polly Akhurst

• Book Recommendation 1: City of Thorns by Ben Rawlence (Insight into life and aspirations within Kenyan refugee camps).

• Book Recommendation 2: Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman (A call to redefine ambition through the lens of impact rather than status).

Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com.

Thank you for listening to Where’s Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.

 

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