ICS Teacher Launches New Book & Film After Epic Kayaking Expedition

ICS Addis teacher Oscar Scafidi spent his October break a little differently than most. 

Instead of resting at home or traveling for leisure, Oscar was in Indonesia launching Kayak The Mangoky — his brand-new book and documentary film. The project tells the story of a bold, first-ever source-to-sea kayaking expedition along Madagascar’s longest river, completed with fellow adventurer Ben Ziehm Stephen.

In May 2022, the pair set out to paddle, hike, and carry a collapsible Klepper kayak across 750 kilometers of rugged terrain, from the river’s source all the way to the Mozambique Channel. Their journey took them past crocodile-filled waters, through remote wilderness, and over a brutal 200+ km mountain crossing. They encountered security forces, fishermen, hunters, and farmers and faced dehydration, illness, and unplanned detours that tested every bit of their endurance.

The expedition has already raised over $5,000 for two Madagascar-based charities: The World Food Programme and Our Kids, Our Future Madagascar — with Oscar now donating 25% of profits from the book to support education in Madagascar.

The documentary film is now screening at international festivals. Their expedition is also under review by Guinness World Records.

Oscar’s passion for exploration and storytelling extends directly into his work at ICS Addis.

As a travel writer, filmmaker, and African expedition leader, he brings authentic, real-world experiences into the classroom — especially valuable in the MYP Individuals & Societies curriculum, where regional context matters deeply.

“Local and regional context is incredibly important in what we teach,” Oscar said. “Being able to share images, stories and testimonies with the students that I have gathered from this part of the world helps to enrich the curriculum and highlight its relevance to them.”

Oscar also links his teaching to his professional writing career, where he has spent more than a decade sharpening skills in analytical and creative writing with UK publisher Bradt Travel Guides — skills he now passes on to ICS students.

This story is one more example of what makes ICS Addis teachers exceptional.

They are global citizens themselves — passionate experts, creators, explorers, and change-makers who bring inspiration back to the classroom every day.