AfriKids Ghana, through its flagship One Million Smiles Project, partnered with the Builsa South District Education Directorate to recognize and honour the exceptional efforts of teachers who have championed education at various levels in the district.
The well-attended event brought together various stakeholders and dignitaries, including the District Chief Executive, District Director of Education, students, teachers, and members of the media, to celebrate the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future of Ghana, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Delivering the keynote address, the Country Director of AfriKids Ghana, David Pwalua, commended the commitment of teachers. He noted that teachers are the backbone of every successful society—they ignite curiosity, instill values, and open doors to opportunities that can change the course of a child’s life forever.
“Teachers are the backbone of every successful society. They ignite curiosity, instill values, and open doors to opportunities that can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
Mr. Pwalua further emphasized the importance of investing in teachers, especially in underserved areas. He added that the role of the teacher goes beyond classroom instruction, highlighting that AfriKids believes every child deserves a chance to thrive—hence the need to empower educators.
“Teachers are not only educators; they are mentors, community leaders, and nation builders. At AfriKids, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive, and this is only possible when we empower and support the teachers who guide them.”
The awards celebrated excellence in three key categories: Best Teacher in Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior High School.
Amos Alienka was honoured as Best Kindergarten Teacher for his dedication to laying a solid educational foundation for young learners. Franklina Akukona emerged as the Best Primary School Teacher, commended for her outstanding efforts in nurturing the future generation. Johnson Akumzepagrua Akandawen received the Best Junior High School Teacher award, recognized for his inspiring leadership in integrating STEM education at the JHS level.
In addition to the teacher awards, Atubura Moses Asiawen, the Statistics and Training Officer at the Builsa South District Education Directorate, was specially recognized for his critical role in the successful implementation of the One Million Smiles Project. His work in collecting and analysing vital educational data was instrumental in shaping the programme’s impact across the district.
The District Director of Education, Thomas Kanlisi, expressed his gratitude to AfriKids for their continued support of the district’s educational development. He stated that the awards reinforce a culture of excellence and accountability among teachers. He added that the District Education Directorate has advanced plans to include non-AfriKids schools in training sessions conducted by master trainers.
Speaking to the media after the event, one of the awardees, Amos Alienka, expressed deep appreciation to AfriKids Ghana for the recognition and urged the organization to continue the initiative. He stressed that such acknowledgments are a strong motivation for teachers to excel in their roles.
He also used the platform to highlight challenges facing educators, particularly at the kindergarten level. He pointed out the persistent shortage of teaching staff and the lack of adequate teaching and learning materials, calling on the government and education authorities to urgently address these gaps to ensure quality education for all.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gerard Asagi|Builsa South
