Entries Open for 2026 Africa Early Childhood Education Awards

Accra, January 8, 2026 — The TERIA Foundation, in partnership with key stakeholders, has officially opened nominations for the 6th edition of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (AECEA) 2026, a continental initiative aimed at recognizing excellence, innovation and measurable impact in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.

The awards seek to celebrate early childhood educators, caregivers, institutions, organisations and advocates whose work continues to strengthen educational foundations and contribute to the holistic development of children across the continent.

According to the organisers, AECEA 2026 is open to early childhood practitioners and stakeholders who have worked in the sector for a minimum of two years.

Eligible nominees include educators, nursery and kindergarten teachers, caregivers, school managers, proprietors, parents, early childhood centres, media organisations and non-governmental organisations operating within the early childhood education ecosystem.

Award Categories

The 2026 edition will honour excellence across 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

In addition, Honorary Awards will be presented to individuals and institutions whose exceptional contributions have significantly strengthened early childhood development and education across Africa and the Diaspora.

Supporting Institutions and Partners

AECEA 2026 is supported by key 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 must include a brief profile of the nominee, a statement outlining the nominee’s impact on learners and the community, and a justification for the nomination. Applicants are also required to submit a passport-size photograph and contact details. A short video of the nominee at work is optional but considered an added advantage.

Entries can be submitted via WhatsApp on +233244759002 or by email to teriafoundation1@gmail.com.

The deadline for all submissions is July 2026.

Winners will be unveiled at the AECEA 2026 awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.

The organisers reaffirmed that the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards remains a proudly African yet globally relevant platform, spotlighting excellence and promoting collaboration in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.