A Kenyan teacher was among three tutors who were awarded the first continental teacher prize by the African Union in Ethiopia.
Erick Ademba, a 35-year-old Maths and Chemistry teacher at Asumbi Girls School in Homabay County, Kenya, Augusta Lartey-Young from Presbyterian Boy’s Secondary School in Ghana and Gladys K from a school in Uganda were recognized for their outstanding performance.
Mr Ademba received a certificate and Sh1 million 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 after getting the award, Mr Ademba said the prize promotes the image of teaching on the African continent and motivates African teachers to be innovative, Nairobi News reported. “The award will improve teaching image since teachers in Africa will feel recognized,” said Mr Ademba.
According to a report by The Standard, member states of the African Union (AU) were required to nominate two outstanding teachers (male and female) and submit their names to the headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Teachers Service Commission nominated Ademba together with Damaris Mwende of Mbooni Boys who was also the first runners up for ICT Teacher of the Year (ITOYA) 2018 awards.
The two teachers competed against 50 other nominated teachers from the five regions in Africa. The nominees were required to submit a record of their personal teaching philosophy and achievement since joining the teaching profession.
After a rigorous selection process by a panel of experts in Addis Ababa, Ademba emerged as one of the most outstanding teachers in Africa.