Asumbi Girls teacher wins first continental prize

Mr Erick Ademba, a mathematics and chemistry teacher at Asumbi Girls High School, was on Wednesday among three African teachers to get Africa Union award for their outstanding performance.

Mr Ademba received a certificate and $10,000 (Sh1 million) at a ceremony held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The others were Ms Augusta Lartey-Young, from Ghana and Sister Gladyce Kachope from Uganda.

The teachers were recognised for helping students achieve their long-term career goals, quality teaching and encouraging desirable behaviour in schools among others.

Speaking after getting the award, Mr Ademba, said the prize promotes the image of teaching on the African continent, while motivates African teachers to be innovative.

“The award will improve teaching image since teachers in Africa will feel recognized,” said Mr Ademba.

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 prize will raise the status of the teaching profession and the teacher, and inspire the best possible candidates to join the teaching profession, and it further serve as a catalyst for similar programs at regional and national levels.