Last month, ALA students Abigail Maina ’24 (Kenya) and Mahara Mmangisa ’24 (Malawi) participated in the World Leading Schools Association (WLSA) Exchange Program in China—a two-week journey that offered them more than just a shift in geography. It was a deep dive into different educational approaches, a chance to build connections across cultures, and an opportunity to see the world from a fresh perspective.
During their time in China, Abigail and Mahara attended classes at WLSA, joining peers from around the globe in a new academic environment. “Being part of the classroom experience gave us a real sense of how learning happens at WLSA,” they reflected. “It was different, but incredibly enriching.”
Beyond the classroom, their days were packed with cultural immersion—from hiking along the Great Wall to sampling local cuisine and exploring historic landmarks. “Every experience, big or small, taught us something new,” they shared. “It helped us understand the culture not just as visitors, but as students living it.”
For Abigail and Mahara, this journey was about more than academics or sightseeing. It was a powerful exercise in adaptability, curiosity, and personal growth—an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, ask meaningful questions, and engage with the unfamiliar.
Their experience is a testament to ALA’s commitment to nurturing leaders who can navigate diverse contexts with empathy, curiosity, and global awareness. Through programs like WLSA, students like Abigail and Mahara are not just expanding their horizons but learning to lead in a complex, interconnected world.
We’re incredibly proud of them for representing ALA with such openness and thoughtfulness, and we look forward to seeing how this experience shapes their journeys as emerging leaders.
