The African Union Commission announced a landmark expansion to the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA): the introduction of the Rural Continental Teacher Award.
Set to begin in 2026 and run for an initial three-year period, the new category shines a spotlight on rural educators delivering quality education despite scarce resources and persistent challenges.
The Rural Continental Teacher Award is developed in partnership with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. W
ith nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, the initiative seeks to address the urgent need to support teachers serving the continent’s most underserved communities. Selection criteria include demonstrated impact in rural or underserved areas, innovative low-resource teaching methods, strong community engagement, proven leadership, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and measurable student learning outcomes.
H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the significance of this recognition: “This special recognition will shine a spotlight on teachers working in rural and hard-to-reach communities, who often overcome significant challenges to provide education to children in the most disadvantaged areas. By acknowledging their dedication, we reaffirm our commitment that no child, no teacher, and no community is left behind.”
Snorre Westgaard, Chairman of Humana People to People, echoed the sentiment: “Through our network of teacher training colleges in Africa, we see every day how teachers transform the lives of children and strengthen the communities they serve. This partnership allows us to shine a spotlight on rural teachers whose tireless work too often goes unnoticed. Their dedication is the foundation of equitable education, and by amplifying their voices, we can inspire renewed investment in rural education and raise the status of the teaching profession.”
The 2025 CTA has already served as a soft launch for this commitment through a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence, supported by Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. Five teachers were honored for their outstanding commitment to rural and underserved communities, with an additional prize of $2,000 awarded to support their continued work:
- Jepkosgei Chemoiwa – Kenya
- Sachitanand Ramdhonee – Mauritius
- Ntombonzuko Mkizwana Zuki – South Africa
- Allen A. Thomas – Liberia
- Chaabane Naoures – Tunisia
The CTA, a flagship initiative under Africa’s Continental Education Strategy, annually recognizes outstanding teachers who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By placing rural educators at the heart of the awards, the expanded framework reaffirms Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to quality teaching. The Kenyan recipient among the rural awardees signals the continent’s growing recognition of rural excellence and the transformative impact of teachers who innovate under resource constraints.
As World Teachers’ Day approaches, educators, policymakers, and communities alike are urged to celebrate and invest in those who keep learning alive in every corner of Africa. The AU’s Rural Continental Teacher Award marks a bold step toward a truly inclusive education system, where no teacher is overlooked and no learner is left behind.
