This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, the African Union (AU) honored three African teachers with the first Continental Teacher Prize for their exceptional dedication to education.
Among the recipients was Erick Ademba, a teacher from Asumbi Girls Secondary School in Homa Bay County, Kenya. He was joined by Augusta Lartey-Young from Presbyterian Boy's Secondary School in Ghana and Gladys K. from a school in Uganda.
The three teachers received certificates and $10,000 each at a ceremony held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The prize recognized their achievements in quality teaching, encouraging desirable behaviors, and promoting the social and cultural value of learning.
According to Beatrice Njenga, Head of the AU Education Division, the Teacher Prize is a vital instrument in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in Africa. It aims to promote teaching as a first-choice profession and contribute to the success of Agenda 2063 and the continental Education strategy for Africa (CESA).
Ms. Njenga stated, 'It is a key instrument in our efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Africa. As we celebrate committed leading teachers, we provide an opportunity for sharing best practices that are transforming lives of students and their communities.'
Mr. Ademba expressed his gratitude for the prize, saying it promotes the image of teaching on the African continent and motivates African teachers to be innovative. He added that the prize can help improve the teaching image in Africa, making teachers feel recognized.
Augusta Lartey-Young, another recipient, dedicated her award to her team and urged them to continue working hard. She expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the award and looked forward to seeing better awards for teachers in the future.
