TERIA Foundation Opens Nominations for Africa Early Childhood Education Awards 2026
Recognising Excellence: AECEA 2026 Calls on Educators, Centres and Advocates Across Africa and the Diaspora
Accra, Jan. 8,— The TERIA Foundation, in partnership with other stakeholders, has opened nominations for the 6th edition of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (AECEA) 2026 to recognise excellence and innovation in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.
The awards are aimed at honouring early childhood educators, caregivers, institutions, organisations and advocates whose work continues to contribute to strong educational foundations and the holistic development of children on the continent.
A statement issued in Accra said the awards are open to early childhood practitioners and stakeholders who have worked in the sector for at least two years. Eligible nominees include educators, nursery and kindergarten teachers, caregivers, school managers, proprietors, parents, early childhood development centres, media organisations and non-governmental organisations.
Award Categories
The 2026 awards will be presented in the following categories:
- Educator of the Year (Male)
- Educator of the Year (Female)
- Assistant of the Year
- Caregiver of the Year
- Nursery Teacher of the Year
- KG Teacher of the Year
- Best Teacher (Lower Primary)
- Best Teacher (Upper Primary)
- School Manager of the Year
- Proprietress of the Year
- Proprietor of the Year
- Early Childhood Development Centre of the Year
- Best Centre for Disability Inclusion
- Best School in Sustainability
- Parent of the Year
- Author of the Year
- NGO of the Year
- Media House of the Year
- Outstanding Educator of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
The statement said honorary awards would also be presented to individuals and institutions whose exceptional contributions have significantly strengthened early childhood development and education across Africa.
Supporting Institutions and Partners
The AECEA 2026 is being supported by government, cultural, corporate and media institutions, including:
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
- Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Ghana Tourism Authority
- National Folklore Board
- UNESCO Ghana Commission
- Stanbic Bank Ghana
- DKA Accounting & Atwells Services
- Minerva Stationaries
- Rali Consult
- Bamimo Enterprise
- Multi Pro Private Ltd
- Babusa TV (Kenya)
- Societhe Ice Cream
- Francis Foundation (Kenya)
- Bridging Histories UK
- Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).
Each nomination is required to include a brief profile of the nominee, a statement on impact on learners and the community, and a justification for the nomination. A passport-size photograph and contact details must also be provided, while a short video of the nominee at work is optional.
Entries may be submitted via WhatsApp on +233244759002 or by email to teriafoundation1@gmail.com. The deadline for submissions is July 2026.
Final winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Accra.
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The organisers said the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards remains a proudly African yet globally relevant platform that continues to promote excellence and collaboration in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.