Alicia Estey’s influence reaches far beyond her former position as chief financial and operating officer at Boise State University. One of her most noteworthy endeavors during her tenure extended beyond borders, linking Idaho with rural Mozambique through a preschool initiative that makes a meaningful difference in education.
“We are here to serve others. We support exceptional teaching, learning and research,” she says.
That ethos knows no borders.
The Gorongosa Partnership: Education Meets Conservation
Boise State University’s work with Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park started with research in biology and anthropology — but it’s evolved into much more. Today, the partnership also supports education initiatives that respond directly to the challenges faced by rural communities in the region.
The initiative targets communities surrounding Gorongosa National Park, addressing a complex relationship between conservation and local development. Mozambique ranks among the world’s poorest nations creating significant educational challenges for rural children.
An Idaho philanthropist has invested millions into restoring the national park. Alicia Estey says, “It was battered for decades by civil war. The animal population declined by roughly 95% – elephants, lions and hippos were slaughtered for meat and trade.” Efforts to eradicate poaching and restore the park’s wildlife have impacted families’ living in communities outside the park’s boundary.
This conservation challenge prompted a more comprehensive approach that included community development alongside wildlife restoration. Education became a critical focus, particularly for girls, half of whom drop out before 5th grade.
Alicia Estey: Addressing Systemic Challenges
Alicia Estey’s role in the program was focused on early childhood education, strongly emphasizing preschool development for children ages 4 to 5. The Little School Club, launched in April 2022, now serves over 210 children from Nhambita and Vinho, supported by 30 trained facilitators specializing in child development.
“We provide professional development for the facilitators as well as materials and supplies to support teaching and learning” Estey says. The program focuses on long-term sustainability. Facilitators are encouraged to use local resources to create dolls, books, math games, and other learning tools from natural and recycled materials. In partnership with the Boise School District, Boise State supplements these efforts with essential supplies, including stencil kits, bookbinding machines, doll-making tools, and laminators. They also provide books in Portuguese, clothing, shoes, and art supplies to support children’s learning and well-being.
Building on their success with the preschool programs, Alicia Estey and her team began exploring ways to support education beyond the preschool level. “We hope to eventually provide professional development to the primary school teachers,” said Estey. The goal is to establish consistency in the learning experience as children move through school. “The preschool programs are being replicated across Mozambique” Estey adds. “We would like to build on that success.”
As Estey works to expand educational opportunities in Mozambique, the same principles of adaptability and long-term vision shape her leadership at home. While the challenges may vary, her approach remains grounded: understand the context, listen with intention, and respond thoughtfully. “It’s important to me to have a solid understanding of each unique area I oversee,” Estey explains. “I don’t need to be an expert, but I do need to know what matters most to each team, to the campus, and to our broader community—so I can ensure we’re operating effectively and meeting everyone’s needs.”
