Primary Section Faculty

Email Address: michelle.simpson@kicsnet.org

Hailing from New Zealand, I began my teaching career in New Zealand before traveling and working in the UK, United Arab Emirates and Oman. In my most recent position I was the Primary/Early Years Principal at an IB World School in Sohar, Oman. I hold a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education from Canterbury University, NZ, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Monash University in Australia. I have a passion for working with teachers, students, and families to make learning happen, with a focus on concept-based learning and teaching. I love to travel, cook, read and keep fit in my spare time.

Email Address: darwin.balog@kicsnet.org

I hold a degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education from the Philippines and a Master of International Education Administration from Massachusetts, USA. I have been part of schools in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and at present Sudan since August 2015. I am also a member of the International Baccalaureate Educators Network (IBEN) which brought me to different places conducting workshops for international school teachers and evaluating schools. I have a passion for learning and experiencing different cultures as well as watching documentaries about civilizations and societies.

Email Address: rula.ghazal@kicsnet.org

My name is Rula Ghazal. I am the Office Manager in the Junior section. I have started working at KICS when it was without windows and ACs in 2005! My home country is Iraq but I have resided in Sudan for the last 19 years. I have a daughter named Rula and a son named Obaida in the Secondary section. I am honored and proud to be part of KICS which embraces a multicultural and a globally diverse community.

Email Address: amira.swar@kicsnet.org

Email Address: anne.swar@kicsnet.org

Hello, I am delighted to say this will be my 5th year working as part of the wonderful KICS community in Khartoum. I am originally from Manchester, UK and spent most of my adult life in London, where I started my career in teaching. I have been visiting our beloved Sudan since the 80's and after completing a PGCE at UCL, London, I decided to return. I have a background in textiles and continue to be fascinated by fabrics, clothing and the Art of sewing which I bring into my classroom. In the Early Years, we witness so much growth and development and I feel privileged to be a part of that, valuing each individual child and allowing them autonomy and agency over their learning. I am accompanied by my youngest daughter Jennah, who is in Year 10. In my spare time, I enjoy engaging with the Sudanese community, will attempt to improve my Arabic and delve into a new sewing project.

Email Address: christopher.fadera@kicsnet.org

My name is Chris, and I am from the Philippines. This school year marks my 22nd year of international school teaching. I have had the privilege to teach at international schools in Manila and Jakarta before moving to Khartoum in August 2014. I value, respect, and appreciate the different abilities of the children I am privileged to work with. My background in the field of Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Physical Education, and International Education gives me a deep understanding of child development and how I can support my very young students and their families. Furthermore, I love singing, reading children’s books, listening to podcasts, musical theater, swimming, cooking, traveling, and people-watching.

Email Address: trillian.clifford@kicsnet.org

I am joining KICS after a year-long hiatus from teaching. During this year I welcomed my first child. Prior to this, I had been teaching internationally for eight years and had the pleasure of living in Cairo, Egypt as well as Mumbai, India. Previously, I taught for ten years in my home country, the United States. I am passionate about teaching in the early years and one of my proudest achievements was being invited to present my work with young children at the International Early Years Conference in Vietnam. I enjoy spending time outside, baking, and volunteering my time helping animals at shelters and sanctuaries. I will be joined by my infant daughter, Alma.

Email Address: denise.bowers@kicsnet.org

Greetings! My name is Denise Bowers and I am excited to be a part of the Lower Primary team at KICS! My husband and I call South Carolina, USA home, and we love spending time there with our sons during the summer break. Even though I have been teaching since 1995, this is only my 3rd year teaching internationally. I have spent my career teaching 4-7 year old children, so I think it’s safe to say I am passionate about early years education. My goal is to make learning fun while encouraging my students to envision themselves as risk-takers, thinkers and inquirers. During my free time, I enjoy family time, going to the beach, reading for pleasure, and traveling to new places.

Email Address: demi.vanderwesthuizen@kicsnet.org

My name is Demi van der Westhuizen. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and raised by a family of teachers. I hold a Bachelor of Education from the Centre of Creative Education which specialises in the Waldorf approach to education. I am currently training to be a one-on-one remedial therapist through The Extra Lesson Institute. I am passionate about connecting with children through creative and dynamic teaching methods. In my spare time, I enjoy stitching, reading and spending time outdoors in nature. I look forward to being part of the KICS family this year!

Email Address: rosie.kwiecien@kicsnet.org

My name is Rosanne (Rosie) Kwiecien and I am originally from Ontario, Canada. My family and I have been living overseas for the past 11 years, 4 in South Korea and the last 7 in Jakarta, Indonesia before joining KICS in August 2019. During our time in Jakarta, both of our daughters graduated secondary school with IB Diplomas and are currently living back in Canada. Since 2012 I have been a Primary school teacher, with my main focus being mostly in Year 2. I believe that deeper learning will be achieved by providing opportunities, embracing curiosity, and inspiring exploration. I enjoy traveling and learning about local culture, reading, sewing, sudoku puzzles, and going for long walks.

Email Address: wilma.bayaua@kicsnet.org

Hello! My name is Wilma Bayaua. I am originally from the Philippines. My teaching career has allowed me to learn and grow as an individual but more so as a global citizen alongside other learners, their families, and the greater school communities in the Philippines and most recently Mozambique. I have lived in Mozambique for 26 years and my children were born and raised there, Africa is my second home. I am passionate about empowering students to become independent, creative, and inquirers. I strongly believe that all students are capable of learning. I joined KICS in August 2020, and I am very excited to become a part of this progressive and amazing team. I enjoy baking, cooking, gardening, reading, and watching documentaries with my children. Joining me in Sudan is my son, Francis Russel.

Email Address: abigael.mawia@kicsnet.org

My name is Abigael Mawia from Kenya. I hold a Bachelor of Education Arts from the University of Nairobi specializing in English and Literature. I have been teaching for approximately 14 years in IB schools both in Kenya and Internationally, Japan. I am an enthusiastic teacher who seeks to promote authentic learning by creating a stimulating learning environment that allows holistic learning. My goal is to motivate learners to be independent, creative, critical thinkers and lifelong global-minded collaborators. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, jogging, immersing myself in different cultures and make-up art. I am very excited to join KICS this academic year; I am looking forward to years of learning, fun and adventure.

Email Address: angela.larson@kicsnet.org

Hi everyone, my name is Angela. I’m so excited to be joining you in Khartoum. I’m originally from the United States (Ohio) but have been teaching internationally for the past 9 years in the Czech Republic, Turkey and most recently Almaty, Kazakhstan. Teaching is a craft and a passion for me; I hold certifications in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood SPED, and TESOL and am currently working on my Master of Education through University of Dundee. I can’t wait to meet my new students and become a part of the KICS community.

Email Address: andre.vanblerk@kicsnet.org

My name is Andre Van Blerk. I was born in Cape Town, South Africa and have always had a passion for education. I have a Bachelor of Education Degree from the Centre of Creative Education which specialises in the Waldorf approach to education. I have had the opportunity to apply the Waldorf methodology in the classroom over the last five years at Michael Oak Waldorf School in South Africa. I am committed to building educational frameworks that meet the needs of children in an ever-changing environment. In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, reading and spending time in nature. I look forward to building meaningful connections with everyone involved at KICS.

Email Address: brian.mcdaid@kicsnet.org

My name is Brian McDaid and I am originally from Derry, Northern Ireland. I have been living in Sudan since 2007. After deciding on a change of career, I spent time completing my TEFL qualification and taught English for a short period before commencing my PGCEi in 2014. I spent the 2014/15 academic year training at KICS and have now completed my studies to become a fully fledged class teacher. I am excited about my new career and look forward to preparing the next generation for the ever changing world around us.

Email Address: saima.sardar@kicsnet.org

My name is Saima Sardar and I am from Pakistan. I hold a master's degree in Computer Science and a PGCE in International Education from The University of Nottingham. Recently, I have completed International Educator Certification for IB Qualification from Windsor University, Canada. I have lived and worked in China, Sierra Leone, UK, and currently based in Sudan with my husband and two daughters. I am very passionate about teaching and it has been a great journey so far. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and cooking. I am very excited to be a part of the KICS community and I look forward to an exciting academic year ahead

Email Address: liz.campero@kicsnet.org

I am Irish Mexican and this is my fourth year at KICS. I have an English and Spanish Law degree and a Master’s in Education specialising in the IB programme. I greatly enjoy being a part of the KICS team and international community. Having lived in Mexico, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, I am very familiar with different cultures and speak five languages. I have a son in Year 8 and a daughter in Year 6 at KICS. I absolutely love travelling and exploring new places! I enjoy reading, swimming and anything related to beaches and sunshine. I am also an avid board game player and have a predilection for 1000-piece puzzles!

Email Address: suna.daoud@kicsnet.org

My name is Sawsan Elsayed Daoud. In school I am known as Suna; I graduated from the University of Khartoum, Faculty Of Education, with a BSC in Pre-school education and social work. I have a diploma in teaching English as a second language from The London Montesorri centre. i have been at KICS from the very beginning (Over 13 years) and before that at Hai Elmatar infant school. Currently I am working in our Student Support Service unit as a Learning support and EAL teacher. Before that I was an early years teacher for more than 25 years. I have 4 daughters and two grand children. KICS has and always will be my second home.

Email Address: susana.deoliveira@kicsnet.org

I have over 20 years teaching experience, internationally and in the UK, in both the IB and Waldorf curriculum. I consider myself to be an active, creative and caring person. I am multicultural by nature, I speak 6 languages and I have lived in four continents. I have several academic qualifications (BA Hons, MA, PGCE, Waldorf Teacher Certificate, Early Years certificate, Celta Cambridge Certificate). My educational motto is that the students are at the centre of the learning/teaching model and that we as teachers orbit around them and their needs and strengths. In so doing, we allow the students to access the curriculum, where they establish meaningful personal connections. I believe that all students have gifts to be nurtured and every student can thrive. As an educator, I consider that the student’s wellbeing is at the crux of all that we do. My favourite educational quote is: “Receive the children in reverence, educate them with love and set them forth in freedom”, R. Steiner.

Email Address: fadwa.elmasri@kicsnet.org

I worked at Hai ElMatar School, which grew and flourished into the spectacular School KICS. My love of reading led me into working at KICS libraries, then as a Student Support Services teacher. My passion is in helping struggling students to read, comprehend and enjoy reading. These students learn to read then read to learn. I enjoy working at KICS and love the environment which is a mirror of Sudanese hospitality and friendliness.

Email Address: agila.attia@kicsnet.org

My name is Agila and I’m Sudanese. I graduated from the American University in Cairo with a BSc in Chemistry. I was living between London and Ireland for more than ten years before moving back to Sudan. I have four children, two of whom graduated from KICS and the other two are still part of this great learning community. I completed my PGCEi in 2018 and it has always been my passion to learn more on how to accommodate children with special needs. I have an MA from the University of Nottingham in Special and Inclusive Education. This allowed me to gain new insights about a wide range of topics. I’m hoping to continue developing a deeper understanding of strategies to support all of our students' needs which can be applied at a structural level within our school.

Email Address: sabrina.cherif@kicsnet.org

My name is Sabrina Cherif and I was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden by a Swedish mother and a Tunisian father. I hold Bachelor's Degrees in Education and in Study and Career Guidance from Stockholm University. I have been working as a Counselor since 2012 and have always been involved with different preventative projects within wellbeing. I am very passionate about working together with my students to help them understand themselves and each other better. I can’t wait to meet my new students and to be part of the KICS counseling team! Before moving to Khartoum I lived in Toronto Canada with my Canadian husband from Sudanese origins. We are looking forward to building a new circle of good friends and to be part of a fun and positive community. We are very outdoorsy and enjoy going out and spending time in nature. We also like to exercise and workout everyday doing yoga, dancing and spending time at the gym.

Email Address: viktoriya.zafirova@kicsnet.org

My name is Victoria Zafirova and I'm from Sofia,Bulgaria. I was a professional volleyball player for 11 years, member of the National team of Bulgaria. I hold a Bachelor Degree of Physical Education and a qualified volleyball coach with 13 years of teaching experience. I live in Sudan with my husband and our three kids. In my free time I enjoy going to yoga class, playing tennis and other sports. I joined KICS in January 2019. Looking forward to an active school year.

Email Address: sarah.colwell@kicsnet.org

My name is Sarah Colwell, I am originally from Texas and New Mexico. I attended Austin College and Columbia University. I have traveled extensively and independently from an early age, and have lived in Japan, India, Mexico, Germany, Ecuador, Algeria and on a ship at sea. My interests include reading and learning about other cultures, history, keeping fit, hiking, meditation, art, music and design.

Email Address: ehsaan.hussein@kicsnet.org

My name is Ehsan, I'm a graduate of the University of Khartoum with a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language along with multiple certifications/diplomas from the UAE and USA. Most of my teaching experience has been in international schools, 18 years being in Abudhabi. I love swimming and I'm very family-oriented. I am very optimistic about change in Sudan, looking forward to a bright future ahead.

Email Address: amanda.deibert@kicsnet.org

I am passionate about teaching and making art. I believe that empowering children to create and appreciate art helps them to understand themselves and others, make sense of our increasingly visual world, trust their own ideas, and to imagine things that do not yet exist. I hold a Masters in Art Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Art History. I have previously taught in Vietnam, Burkina Faso, and the U.S. In addition to making art, I enjoy swimming, coffee, and time in nature, especially with my husband, a musician, and our son.

Email Address: vesna.cikovic@kicsnet.org

I was born in the place where East meets West, in Sarajevo, the capital of a small country in Southeast Europe called Bosnia and Herzegovina. This country is well known for its mountains and rivers, amazing old bridges, winter sports, great food, Turkish coffee, and warm hospitality. I have two homelands which are pretty cool. I moved to Toronto almost 30 years ago. As a proud Canadian, I truly cherish all Canadian values, and profoundly respect the different ethnic, religious, and racial groups. Music has been my way of life ever since I can remember and it is this passion that has led me to pursue a career in teaching music to aspiring musicians. As a certified Music teacher, Ihave so far worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, UAE, Malaysia, and Egypt. Teaching not just music, but drama/performing arts as well. My work was designed to bring diversity into the Music classroom and provide a safe, positive, nurturing, and welcoming environment where all students should have an equal opportunity to express themselves through sound and movement. My goal is to inspire my students to always reach their personal best, and challenge themselves, as well as the others around them. I want them to always be evolving and aspiring to become better. Apart from international teaching, I enjoy reading, charity work, meeting new people, and exploring new cultures, but a good cup of black coffee and gathering with friends is my favorite thing.

Email Address: randa.saeed@kicsnet.org

I am Sudanese, born and raised in Sudan. I studied Economics and Development Studies at the American University in Cairo. I have been at KICS since 2005. I teach Arabic in the primary section. In 2012 I got my Master's degree in International Education from Endicott College, Massachusetts. I love to travel, read and shop.

Email Address: wadiaa.elshareif@kicsnet.org

My name is Wadiaa Elshareif and I am Sudanese. I was a lecturer at Sudan University College for Girls. I have been at KICS for more than 7 years now, teaching Arabic in the Primary Section. I hold a PhD in Business Administration.