Africa to Launch Rural Continental Teacher Award as Part of 2026 CTA

Ahead of World Teachers’ Day on Sunday, 5 October, the African Union Commission announced a new prize category: the Rural Continental Teacher Award, embedded within the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA).

The award is set to begin in 2026 and run for an initial three-year period.

Developed in partnership with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation, the Rural Continental Teacher Award will highlight the vital work of rural teachers who deliver quality education despite scarce resources and ongoing challenges.

With nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, organizers say the recognition aims 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 outcomes.

H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, stated that the 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, added: “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.”

This year’s 2025 CTA acted as a soft launch for the new commitment, introducing a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence supported by the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation.

Five teachers were honored for their outstanding commitment to rural and underserved communities, with an additional $2,000 prize 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 the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, annually recognizes teachers who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The framework reinforces Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring every child, regardless of location, has access to quality teaching.