All major cities in Africa have at least one international school and they are prominent in the lives of transient diplomats, other expatriates, and, increasingly, of the local middle classes. They throw up multiple challenges as different cultures interact, not always easily or willingly. The International School of Ndwalowe, in the imaginary African country of Awanza, is just emerging from bankruptcy. Charged with this responsibility, indeed daunted by it, is Peter Corby, British, in his first headship and in Africa for the first time. He must deal with recalcitrant teachers, unreasonable parents, intractable students, and a sometimes-frustrating Board of Directors in this affectionate tale often inspired by the author’s own experiences.All major cities in Africa have at least one international school and they are prominent in the lives of transient diplomats, other expatriates, and, increasingly, of the prosperous middle classes of these emerging African countries. They throw up multiple challenges as different cultures interact, not always easily or willingly.
