A Ghanaian teacher was on Wednesday among three tutors who were awarded with the first continental teacher prize by the Africa Union in Ethiopia for their outstanding performance.
Augusta Lartey-Young at Presbyterian Boy’s Secondary School in Ghana, Erick Ademba, a teacher at Asumbi Girls School in Kenya and Gladys K., from a school in Uganda scooped the prizes.
Augusta Lartey-young received a certificate and $10,000 at a ceremony held at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.
The teachers were recognized for helping students achieve their long-term career goals, quality teaching and encouraging desirable behaviours in schools, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Beatrice Njenga, Head of AU Education Division, noted that the teacher prize is an important and valuable instrument that contributes to the success of Agenda 2063 and continental Education strategy for Africa (CESA).
“It will enhance visibility and status of the teacher in Africa at all levels from early childhood to tertiary levels including TVET, and promote teaching as a first choice profession,” said Ms Njenga.
The AU hopes that the prize will raise the status of the teaching profession and the teacher, and inspire the best possible candidates to join the profession. It further hopes to serve as a catalyst for similar programmes at regional and national levels.
