UK African Educators’ Awards 2024

After a successful award ceremony scheduled on 3rd December 2021, it was decided that the ceremony would feature on a periodic basis as a way to support and continuously inspire UK based teachers of African heritage.

The co-founders of UKAPES who remain in their various roles as educators continue to make strides through meetings to plan for the event by sharing nomination form within multiple teacher network which generated nominations under 8 agreed categories given below:

  • Exemplary early years and primary teacher of African heritage won by Anike Adegoke .
  • Outstanding and impactful headteacher of African heritage won by Omar Deria
  • Exceptional and creative secondary school teacher of African heritage won by Jeremy Charles
  • Outstanding and impactful principal of African heritage – no nomination
  • Exceptional and creative FE/sixth form teacher of African heritage won by Keisha Mcleod
  • Outstanding and exemplary in teaching and research HE lecturer of African heritage won by Prof Gordon Ade-Ojo.
  • Highly professional, exceptional and inspirational education professional of African Heritage won by Leandra Agyemang.
  • ATAUK honorary award won by Pele Mobaolorunduro
Prof Gordon Ade-Ojo
Anike Adegoke
Omar Deria
Keisha Mcleod
Jeremy Charles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event was opened by Isatu Bangura after which the keynote address was given by Joyce Elemson as below:

”Thank you for joining us today. As we gather here, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in history, facing what many have termed “polycrises” – a convergence of multiple crises, each with its own unique set of challenges. In the United Kingdom, one of these pressing issues that demands our attention is the plight of black teachers in our education system. 


Firstly, let us explore the notion of polycrisis, a term that encapsulates the convergence of multiple crises, creating a complex and interconnected web of challenges. Examples are the pandemic, climate change, wars, forced migration, natural disasters and economic downturn.  

In the realm of education, we find ourselves navigating a landscape marked by the intersection of economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, and the ongoing consequences of global events on young people which include anxiety, absenteeism and funding curtailment such as the pandemic. This perfect storm, the poly-educrisis, demands our attention and collaborative efforts to ensure a resilient and adaptive education system. 

Across the country, black teachers are confronting a multitude of obstacles that hinder their ability to thrive and contribute fully to our educational landscape. These challenges range from systemic racism and implicit bias to unequal opportunities for career advancement and professional development. 

It is a stark reality that in the 21st century, black teachers still face disproportionate barriers in their chosen profession. Studies have shown that they are more likely to be subject to discrimination, both overt and subtle, in hiring practices, promotion decisions, and classroom dynamics. This not only impacts their individual well-being but also undermines the quality of education for our students as a whole. 

Furthermore, the lack of diversity among teaching staff perpetuates a cycle of inequality, denying students of color the chance to see themselves reflected in positions of authority and mentorship. This absence of representation sends a damaging message, suggesting that certain communities are inherently less capable or deserving of success. 

But let us be clear: the challenges faced by black teachers are not insurmountable. They are a call to action, a rallying cry for us to recommit ourselves to the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice in education. 

We must work tirelessly to dismantle the systemic barriers that obstruct the path of black educators, ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities for career advancement, leadership roles, and professional development. This requires a concerted effort from policymakers, educational institutions, and communities alike to implement policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the education system. 

Within the poly-educrises, the challenges faced by Black teachers stand out as a poignant concern. Despite the progress we have made in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Black educators continue to encounter unique obstacles that hinder their professional growth and limit their impact on students. The underrepresentation of Black teachers in leadership positions, coupled with persistent disparities in resource allocation, underscores the urgency to address these issues head-on. 

Moreover, Black teachers are faced with the daunting task of being both educators and advocates. They are tasked with not only imparting knowledge but also serving as mentors and role models for Black students who too often find themselves marginalized and underrepresented within our schools. These teachers carry the weight of responsibility to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and promote cultural understanding, all while navigating a system that often overlooks their unique perspectives and experiences. 

Despite these challenges, Black teachers continue to persevere, driven by a profound dedication to their students and a commitment to equality and justice. Their resilience is a testament to the power of education to uplift communities and inspire change. 

As we confront the poly-educrisis of our time, we must recognize the critical role that Black teachers play in shaping the future of our society. We must amplify their voices, support their professional development, and create spaces where they can thrive and lead. 

We cannot afford to overlook the importance of diversity among our educators. Research has consistently shown that students benefit from exposure to teachers from diverse backgrounds, who bring unique perspectives and experiences into the classroom. Black teachers serve as role models for Black students, offering inspiration and guidance that can be instrumental in shaping their academic and personal development. Furthermore, a diverse teaching workforce fosters a culture of inclusivity that benefits all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity. 

However, achieving greater representation of Black teachers in the education sector requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Educational institutions must prioritize diversity and inclusion in their recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring that Black educators are given equal opportunities for advancement and support. Policymakers must implement measures to address systemic inequalities within the education system, including targeted initiatives to recruit and retain Black teachers. And as individuals, we must challenge our own biases and work to create environments where all educators feel valued and empowered to succeed.

To navigate the poly-educrisis and overcome the challenges faced by Black teachers, we must embrace a multifaceted approach: 

  1. We must acknowledge and confront the structural barriers that hinder the recruitment and retention of Black teachers. This includes addressing systemic biases in hiring practices, providing targeted support and mentorship programs for aspiring Black educators, and creating pathways for career advancement within the profession. Educational institutions must also prioritize diversity and inclusion in their recruitment efforts, actively seeking out and cultivating talent from underrepresented communities.
  2. Initiative investment that empowers Black educators and provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive in their roles. This includes professional development opportunities, culturally responsive teaching training, and ongoing mentorship and networking programs. By equipping Black teachers with the tools and support they need to succeed, we can create an environment where they can fully leverage their talents and make a meaningful impact in the lives of their students.
  3. Equitable Resource Allocation: Ensure that schools serving diverse communities receive adequate resources to meet the unique needs of their students. This includes funding for professional development, classroom materials, and extracurricular activities.
  4. Cultural Competency Training: Implement comprehensive cultural competency training for educators and administrators to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. This training should address implicit biases and promote understanding among both staff and students. Decolonising the curriculum has become a recent focal discussion point which has been gradually implemented in many HE institutions. Evidence proves that concerted efforts are underway to integrate the notion into various curriculum as widely as possible. 
  5. Leadership Opportunities: Create pathways for Black teachers to ascend to leadership positions within their various educational institutions.

Black teachers continue to persevere, driven by a profound dedication to their students and a commitment to equality and justice. Their resilience is a testament to the power of education to uplift communities and inspire change. 

As we confront the poly-educrisis of our time, we must recognize the critical role that Black teachers play in shaping the future of our society. We must amplify their voices, support their professional development, and create spaces where they can thrive and lead. 

In conclusion, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and equality in education through recognition and rewards such as today’s events. We stand in solidarity with Black teachers and students, recognizing that the struggle has the desired successful outcome for each and everyone of us.  Today is dedicated to recognising, celebrating and rewarding educators of excellent and resilient practice. Let us enjoy the moment by networking, sharing our congratulations and good practice to achieve overall success for ourselves, students and our communities. 

Many thanks and enjoy the day”

Much appreciation and thanks to Jayne Morgan, the Vice Principal, the facilities and IT Network departments for their immense support in preparing for the event which took place at Lewisham College. A notable presence to the event were the recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Southwark and former governor of Lewisham College, Sunny Lambe and  Stella Ngozi Mbubaegbu MBE, former principal and Chief Executive of Highbury College, Portsmouth who respectively presented awards and gave a memorable conclusion to the ceremony. 

From left: Joyce Elemson, Omar Deria, Stella Mbubaegbu MBE, Sunny Lambe, Jeremy Charles, Felix Donkor, Thandie Dube, Sally Wokeh and Onyekachi Wambu

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