Global Teachers – Southern Africa 2026
In June 2026, 56 educators representing 35 North Carolina counties traveled to the culturally and ecologically rich region of Southern Africa as part of Global NC’s 2026 Global Teachers Program.
The educators traveled in two cohorts. Group 1 consisted of 25 educators and traveled June 16-June 27 & Group 2 traveled from June 23-July 4.
The program included immersive experiences in South Africa, Botswana & Zambia. These nations and North Carolina share a history of British colonization, diverse education systems, and an emphasis on agriculture and tourism as foundational elements of their identities. Additionally, Botswana & Zambia enjoy state partnerships with North Carolina, reflecting a shared commitment to collaboration and global understanding.
Throughout the journey, participants documented their experiences through daily reflections, photographs, and videos. Explore their stories below to follow the delegation’s learning and discover how these experiences will inspire classrooms across North Carolina.
Day 1 & 2:
Travel to Johannesburg & Independent Study
Day 3:
Education Visits, Mandela Memorial & Union Buildings
Day 4:
Constitutional Court, Apartheid Museum & Soweto
Day 5:
Travel to Botswana & Chobe River Safari Cruise
Day 6:
Chobe National Park Safari, Zambia & Lupane Primary School
Day 7:
School Visits in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Day 8:
School Visits in Livingstone & Sinde Village
Day 9:
Elephant Sanctuary & Independent Study in Zimbabwe
Day 10:
Return to North Carolina
Thank you to our sponsors!
Alamance Chamber and Impact Alamance
Anonymous Trust
Carolyn Hunt Global Teacher Endowment
Community Foundation of Western NC
Dan Royster Memorial Fund
David and Elizabeth Beam Global Teacher Award
Development Foundation of NCCAT
Fred A. Moss Charity Trust Fund of the Community Foundation of Western NC
Harold H. Bate Foundation
James E and Mary Z Bryan Foundation
Jeanette W. Hyde Global Teachers Fellowship for Yadkin County
Lenoir Community College Foundation
Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust
Moise A. Khayrallah Endowed Fellowship
Mount Olive Pickle Foundation
Participate Learning
Polk County Community Foundation
RA Bryan Foundation
Reidsville Area Foundation
Sampson County Schools
Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation
Sentara Health
Southern Bank Foundation
Stuart and Margaret L .Forbes Foundation
Susan Gravely Endowed Fellowship
Susan Royster Global Teacher Fellowship
The Beattie Foundation
The Borchardt Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation
The Conway/Holderness Fund
The Harvey McNairy Foundation
The James G. K. McClure Educational & Development Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
The Simple Gifts Fund/Anonymous Trust
Wallace and Jeanette Hyde Global Teacher Fellowship for Graham County
Ward-Ravenel Global Teacher Fellowship
Wilkinson Foundation