Bennett consultants are curious, creative, and compassionate. Most of us work remotely, connecting with coworkers, the families we are working with, and our corporate clients over the phone, Zoom or Teams. We are always looking for ways to stay connected and in touch. One of the things we do as a company is host a book club. The books we read are fiction, non-fiction, education-based, or just a good story. We meet virtually every few months. While it would be great to have the meeting in person with some drinks and snacks, we are happy to “see” each other online and discuss the latest book.
Last week we gathered for a thought-provoking discussion of Africa is not a Country, Notes on a Bright Continent, a book that is part history lesson, part autobiography, and part storytelling by Dipo Faloyin. He was born in Chicago, grew up in Lagos, and now he lives in London—a true TCK (Third Culture Kid); to read more about TCKs, check out my colleague Emma’s blogs on the subject.
His description of Lagos is funny, heartbreaking, and illuminating all at once. The stories of how Africa was colonized and chopped up into many nations with little regard for geography, culture, or history were hard to read. Despite the historical atrocities that Faloyin recounts, the book is hopeful. Faloyin’s respect and love for the continent of Africa and its many unique countries come through.
Let us know what you’re reading—books related to education, relocation, culture, or simply a great read! We would be delighted to hear what’s on your shelves, nightstand, or Kindle, however you like to read. Please feel free to put titles in the comments box.
By Erin Brady
Erin Brady wears several hats at Bennett as Co-Director of Private Client Services and as one of our Global Team Leads (GTLs). As a GTL, she supports a consultant team that works with families headed to the greater NYC area, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada, overseeing their casework and providing updates to our corporate and RMC clients. She also serves as Account Manager of one of Bennett’s largest financial services clients in New York.
Bennett International Education Consultancy works directly with hundreds of families each year across the globe. We support families by helping them make informed decisions about the best-fit schools for their children; with our guidance, they secure placement in preschools, private day schools, public/state schools, boarding schools, colleges & universities, including schools with particular programs, such as special needs support.