Transition Through Empowerment

by Cathy Guither, REI Field Staff & ISD Head of School, Djibouti

Meaningful change in education has often begun with a simple but powerful idea: invest in people, and they will transform their communities. At Resource Exchange International, this belief has guided our partnership with Djibouti. The International School of Djibouti (ISD) stands as a testimony to what is possible when vision, collaboration and long-term commitment come together.

ISD all-school photo - 2026

When ISD was first established in 2016, its mission was clear: to provide access to high-quality academic English education in a context where such opportunities were limited. English-language education opens doors, not only to global higher education and career pathways, but also to broader perspectives, cross-cultural communication and business. As the Ministry of Education in Djibouti began to envision quality education in English, REI was excited to partner with their goal. ISD has served as a gateway for students to engage with the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

Congratulations to ISD Star of the Week: Ibrahim

But the story of the school has never been just about students. REI recognized that sustainable impact in education requires investing in educators themselves. A school can only be as strong as its teachers. With that in mind, the ISD gradually developed into more than a place of learning for children; t also became a center for training and empowering local teachers.

Through intentional mentorship, professional development and hands-on classroom experience, local educators have been given opportunities to fulfill this vision. It was not a short-term initiative, but a long-term commitment to capacity building. Teachers were equipped not only with subject knowledge, but with modern pedagogical approaches, classroom management strategies and the ability to teach English effectively.

The results have been transformative. Local teachers who had limited access to professional training are now leading classrooms, shaping curricula and mentoring others. In many ways, the success of the school can be measured not only by the achievements of its students, but by the growth and leadership of its teachers. Let’s look at a few of the many examples.

Ms Mariam teaching through project-based learning using art

Ms. Mariam began with the ISD in 2016. She started with limited access to her educational desires. With the support of ISD she has been able to attend university classes and has grown to excel in project based learning through art. With many years of experience in the classroom, she is now a pillar in the school and community.

Ms Saharla providing differentiated instruction for ESL students

Ms. Saharla started as a young lady with a dream to become a teacher. The opportunity to work at ISD has provided a pathway for her to achieve this dream, impacting her own nation. While she started out struggling to combine classroom expectations with academic rigor, after guidance and education, she has grown to be one of the most favored teachers by both students and parents alike.

Mr Abdi-kadar teaching English using interactive tools he designed for the classroom

Mr. Abdi-kadar is yet another example of someone who has flourished in opportunity. He first came as an assistant teacher. After working for 4 years at ISD and pursuing further education, he is now a qualified ESL teacher who is being trained in administration. With the support of ISD, he is also currently working to be an entrepreneur developing a tutoring business.

This reflects a broader philosophy: true development is not about dependency, but about empowerment. It is about creating systems that can thrive independently, led by local expertise and vision. This belief has guided the next chapter of ISD's journey.

After 9 years, the school is entering a significant transition. Ownership is being transferred to local leadership. This transition marks an important milestone, not an ending of ISD, but a new beginning.

For REI, this transition is a moment of both reflection and celebration. It reflects years of partnership, trust-building, and shared purpose. It affirms the belief that when people are equipped, empowered and entrusted with responsibility, they rise to the challenge.

The phrase “building people to build nations” captures the heart of this journey. Education is not just about knowledge, it is about transformation. When teachers are trained, they influence generations of students. When students are educated, they contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Over time, these individual impacts ripple outward, strengthening institutions, economies and societies.

ISD students love learning

The International School of Djibouti is more than a school. It is a model of what can happen when education is approached with a long-term vision. It demonstrates that change comes from within. When local leaders are prepared, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their future.

As the school moves forward under local leadership, its story continues to unfold. The foundation has been laid, the capacity has been built, and the vision remains strong. Resource Exchange International and all of its supporters can be proud of the role they have played in this journey.

Because in the end, the goal has never been simply to build institutions. The goal has always been to build people – people who will go on to build nations.