November 30, Addis Ababa, The African Union Continental Teacher Award Ceremony under the theme “The Transformation Education, Begins with Teachers”; was held virtually by the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with UNESCO-IICBA, the CESA 16-25 Teacher Development Cluster coordinator and supported by the European Union.

The event brought together, policy makers, key players from the public and private sectors, academia, practicing teacher and education stakeholders in teacher development in Africa. During the event ten (10) teachers, two from each of the five Regions of Africa were given Cash awards of 10,000USD and Certificates of Recognition. As part of the event, a Round table discussion was held with the Ten (10) Awarded Teachers discussing the theme.

The AU teacher award was launched as a valuable instrument that serves to enhance visibility and status of the Teacher in Africa at all levels; Promote Teaching as a profession at all levels; and to celebrate and encourage outstanding teachers from Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, H. E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine gave special thanks to African Union Member States, the EU, and Education Partners, especially the jury for supporting the Department in evaluating and selecting the ten (10) outstanding teachers that were awarded during the event, and in the revitalization of the teaching profession in Africa.

The Commissioner noted that Agenda 2063, the strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development, to address the unprecedented challenges that have affected economic systems in Africa; and part of this growth is Teacher Development in Africa. He also stressed the need to stand up for teachers as they are messengers who should be respected and honoured, as they build the minds of the learners, and that, every successful human being has been shaped by teachers. He also mentioned that teachers do one of the most important jobs in society today and must be treated with the same degree of respect as other high-profile professions; and he deduced in his statement that, “the transformation Education, begins with teachers”.

Mr. Riccardo Mosca – Deputy Ambassador, EU Delegation to the AU; in his remarks, congratulated the awardees of the AU Teacher Prize 2022, noting that their dedication and outstanding contribution to improving quality of teaching and learning practices was exemplary and an inspiration to both current and future teachers. He further highlighted that the European Union has a long-standing partnership with the African Union which was strengthened during the last AU-EU Summit in February 2022, especially on education as a joint priority. He mentioned that teachers are at the heart of the education system and are the single most important investment. To make sure that every child learns, the quality of education ultimately depends on the quality of teachers. However, the profession faces several challenges across Africa, including staff shortages, governance issues, teacher quality, lack of resources, and of course, gender equality that must be addressed.

Mr. Saliou Sall - Acting Director, UNESCO-IICBA, Teachers Development Cluster Coordinator, in his remarks stated that UNESCO-IICBA and the Teacher Development Cluster are delighted to be associated with the 2022 edition of the AU Continental Teacher Award; and congratulated the Winners for their admirable achievement. He added that, the strategic goals of UNESCO-IICBA includesT the need to increase the supply of qualified teachers, enhancing teacher support and motivation among Member States in Africa, which are in line with the AU Continental Agenda 2063 – the “Africa We Want”; and the CESA 16-25 Strategic Objective 1 - which speaks of “Revitalizing the Teaching Profession to Ensure Quality and Relevance At All Levels Of Education”.Cash award of 10,000.00USD and Certificates of Recognition were symbolically presented to each of the 10 winners by Mr. Hambani Masheleni, the Acting Director of the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), during the virtual ceremony.  The awardees of the AU Continental Teacher Award 2022 were: Mr. Innocent Masanja from Uganda; Mrs. Roseline V. Akinyi Omollo Musau from Kenya; Ms. Pride Nomvula Magiga      from Zimbabwe; Mr. Mkhonta Mfanimpela Eric from Eswatini; Mr. Moussa Sore from Burkina Faso; Ms. Charrald Bibi Kolevi from Ghana; Mrs. Jacinta Vinel Abeso from Equatoria Guinea; Mr. Alexandre Arnaud Abomo from Cameroon; Mr. Yahya Sidi Sarr      from Mauritania; and Mrs. Samia Briki from Tunisia.

The outcomes of the Roundtable was a consensus on the need to ensure improvement on the professional values and attitude of both the teachers and learners; and also understand how learners develop and learn in diverse contexts. This will ultimately enhance teaching and learning and contribute to the realization of CESA 16-25 objectives and Agenda 2063.

In appreciation to the African Union, two teachers Mrs. Jacinta Vinel Abeso and Mr. Alexandre Arnaud Abomo, both from Central Africa Region gave the vote of thanks, and assured the AU Commission of the optimal utilization of the prize money for greater impact in their immediate community. and pledged to continuously work hard to produce the next generation of African Citizenry.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Caseley Olabode Stephens | Policy Officer - Education | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: StephensC@africa-union.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Communications Officer- Agenda 2063 Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Information and Communication Directorate I African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org

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