We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Fay Hodza as PEAS’ Global Senior Director of Programmes.
Fay brings over two decades of experience in African education and leadership shaped by his rural upbringing in Zimbabwe, and a lifelong belief in education as a tool for equity and transformation. From leading school networks in South Africa and Rwanda, to shaping VVOB’s regional education strategy, Fay’s impact has been wide-reaching – and always grounded in compassion, humility, and community.
Below, Fay shares what inspires him, what it takes to build inclusive school cultures, and why joining PEAS feels like a powerful next step in his journey.
On what first inspired his journey to improve education:
“Growing up in a rural village in Shamva District, Zimbabwe, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of education. I was raised by my grandmother and late grandfather, who, despite limited resources, instilled in me the value of hard work, dignity, and learning. That upbringing lit a fire in me – a deep belief that education is not just a pathway out of poverty but a force for justice and equity. It’s this conviction that has guided my journey and shaped how I lead – with empathy, humility, and an unrelenting focus on expanding opportunity for all children, especially those in underserved communities in Africa.”
On what it takes to build strong, inclusive school cultures:
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that school leadership is the cornerstone of lasting educational change. Strong, inclusive learning cultures don’t happen by chance – they are cultivated by leaders who listen deeply, model integrity, and hold a clear vision for every child to succeed. Across contexts, I’ve seen how empowering school leaders – especially with practical, context-responsive tools and support – can dramatically improve teaching and learning. Inclusion thrives when leaders create spaces where teachers are valued, students are not only seen, but are empowered, and communities and parents are genuinely engaged. It’s about leadership that is not only effective, but also compassionate, people-centred, and community-rooted.”
On why he joined PEAS and what excites him most:
“Joining PEAS feels like a natural continuation of my mission. I was drawn by PEAS’ deep commitment to equity, evidence-based innovation, and the belief that quality education should not be a privilege, but a right for every child. At this moment in my journey, I am energised by the opportunity to help scale what works – while staying grounded in what matters. I’m especially excited to collaborate with our country teams and other partners to strengthen our programmes, grow our impact, and amplify the voices of school leaders and teachers across our network, partner schools and the entire educational systems in Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and beyond. Together, we can continue to build schools that not only educate but uplift and empower – preparing our children for dignified and productive lives beyond their secondary schooling!”