Kenyan change-makers urged to pursue educational medal

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, has urged Kenyan change-makers to step forward for the Africa Education Medal 2023.

The medal was founded by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft, and it is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade.

Prof Phakeng, gave the keynote speech at the Transforming Education in Africa Summit this week, following her win in the 2022 inaugural Africa Education Medal.

The medal is awarded to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

In the decades leading up to the pandemic, Africa had been making great strides in boosting school enrolment.

To protect and expand upon these vital gains in the wake of COVID, teachers, NGOs, politicians, tech entrepreneurs, and figures from the public and private sectors, will need to work together to build a future where every child in Africa can achieve the quality education that is their birthright.

The Africa Education Medal recognises the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – to celebrate the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch.

Two Kenyans Felix Malombe, Executive Director of STEAM Labs Africa, and John Mugo, Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, were finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2022 and organisers hope more Kenyans will apply for the medal in 2023.

“It was the greatest honour to be recognised for my life's passion. Winning the Africa Education Medal 2022 gave me a global platform to advocate for that work and I hope it has inspired others across our continent to further the cause of African education,” said Prof Phakeng

Hp Managing Director Middle East and Africa Ertug Ayik, said a good education empowers not just individuals, but entire communities.

“Being accessible to everyone, education can skill the next generation so that children can develop and grow in a world being transformed by technology,” said Ayik.

Vikas Pota, the Kenyan-born Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said:

“Education is the key to Africa’s future. It will help African countries grow and prosper. In the wake of the pandemic, African education stands at a crossroads, but if leaders from across the continent come together then they can build the lasting change needed to truly unlock the continent’s potential.

“The Africa Education Medal is a rallying cry for change makers to come forward and be counted.”

The Africa Education Medal is open to individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are one of the following:

Educators and school administrators, civil society leaders, Public servants and government officials, Political leaders, Technologists and innovators.

Nominees must demonstrate their contribution in any of the following key areas in education:

Significantly improving learning outcomes, Promoting girls’ education, Promoting equity and broadening access to education.

They can also be advancing pedagogical or technological innovation, building and strengthening educator capacity, Catalysing civic participation in education and championing the rights of education stakeholders.

The Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal will be announced in May and the winner will be announced in July. Nominees will be assessed by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.

Nominations and applications will close on April 13, 2023.