About AOA

CURIOSITY

We never stop asking and learning.

At AOA, curiosity is the spark that drives discovery. We encourage students to ask bold questions, explore new ideas, and approach learning with an open and inquisitive mind. Whether through deep inquiry in the classroom or real-world problem-solving, curiosity fuels our journey towards understanding and growth.

CHALLENGE

We get excited by hard problems.

We believe that true learning happens when we push beyond comfort zones. At AOA, challenges are not obstacles but opportunities to deepen our skills, resilience, and critical thinking. We embrace complex problems with enthusiasm, knowing that every hurdle is a chance to innovate and excel.

COMMUNITY

We care deeply about our people.

AOA is more than a school—it’s a family. Our community thrives on mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration. We celebrate our diversity, support one another through challenges, and build strong connections that last well beyond our time on campus.

COURAGE

We take bold steps, while remaining humble.

Courage at AOA means being brave enough to try, fail, and try again. It’s about taking risks, speaking up for what’s right, and stepping into the unknown with confidence. Our students learn to balance ambition with humility, understanding that true strength lies in listening, learning, and growing from every experience.

CO-OWNERSHIP

We take responsibility for our shared success.

We believe that AOA’s success is a collective effort. Students, staff, and partners share accountability for our community’s growth and achievements. Through co-ownership, we empower every individual to contribute, take initiative, and lead with integrity, knowing that our combined efforts drive positive change.

CREATIVITY

We always look for new ways to solve things.

Creativity at AOA goes beyond artistic expression—it’s about approaching challenges with fresh perspectives and thinking outside the box. Our programs encourage experimentation, play, and innovation, allowing students to explore unconventional ideas and develop unique solutions to real-world problems.

AOA Leadership Team

  • Gaidi Faraj, PhD

    Co-Founder & Head of School

    Gaidi Faraj currently serves as the Dean of Academics at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, with previous leadership roles at African Leadership University, where he oversaw $15M campus development and managed pandemic-driven hybrid learning. He has raised over $6M in financing for projects as VP of Operations at Colom Investment and serves as an investor and board member across various sectors in Africa. Gaidi holds a PhD in African Diaspora Studies from UC Berkeley and has extensive international experience, working in Switzerland, Rwanda, Mauritius, Tanzania, and the US.

  • Arun Shanmuganathan

    Co-Founder & Executive Director

    Arun Shanmuganathan is passionate about helping young problem solvers unlock their full potential. As a former International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Silver Medalist, he knows firsthand how the right opportunities can change a student’s future. Born in India and raised in New Zealand, Arun discovered his love for problem-solving at a young age, spending hours tackling puzzles just for the fun of it. This passion led him to study at Cambridge and Oxford, work as a quant trader, and later co-found the Rwanda Mathematics Olympiad (RwMO), which now reaches over 40,000 students each year. His students have gone on to study at MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge—proof that talent exists everywhere when given the right support. As Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy Foundation and Head of Mathematics at AOA, Arun is committed to creating an environment where talented students from across Africa can learn, compete, and grow into world-class problem solvers.

  • Dr. Sindi F. Gordon

    Co-Founder & Head of Holistic Learning & Engagement

    Sindi is a passionate educator, researcher, and consultant dedicated to holistic and transformative learning. As Head of Holistic Learning and Engagement, she fosters inclusive, dynamic learning environments that embrace multiple knowledge systems, creativity, and well-being. A visiting scholar at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, she also teaches at SOAS, University of London, where she developed a degree program in African Diaspora Studies. She was a Research Fellow in the Centre of Teaching and Learning at the University of Sussex, working closely with teachers and students. Sindi founded Changing the Face of Consultancy at Sussex, redefining the intersection of social justice, education, and community impact. A former filmmaker, she produced Matters of Race (PBS) and was a producer for SABC, where she interviewed President Mandela. She holds a PhD in Education and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).