<p><strong>Accra, Ghana – January 8, 2026 — Organisers of the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (AECEA) have officially opened nominations for the 6th edition of the prestigious continental awards, aimed at recognising excellence, innovation and impact in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.</strong></p>
<p>The AECEA 2026 provides a platform to celebrate early childhood educators, caregivers, institutions, organisations and stakeholders whose work is contributing to strong educational foundations and shaping the future human resources of the continent.</p>
<p>According to the organisers, the awards are open to early childhood practitioners and stakeholders across Africa and the Diaspora who have worked in the sector for not less than two years. Eligible nominees include educators, school managers, caregivers, parents, media organisations, non-governmental organisations and advocates within the early childhood education ecosystem.</p>
<p>The awards will honour outstanding contributions across several categories, including Educator of the Year (Male and Female), Nursery Teacher of the Year, KG Teacher of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Early Childhood Development Centre of the Year, Best Centre for Disability Inclusion, Best School in Sustainability, Media House of the Year, NGO of the Year, Outstanding Educator of the Year, Proprietor of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.</p>
<p>Honorary awards will also be presented to individuals and institutions whose work has significantly strengthened early childhood development across Africa.</p>
<p>AECEA 2026 is supported by key government, cultural, corporate and media institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; the Ghana Tourism Authority; the National Folklore Board; the UNESCO Ghana Commission; and corporate partners such as Stanbic Bank Ghana, DKA Accounting &; Atwells Services, Minerva Stationaries, and Multi Pro Private Limited. Media and international partners include Babusa TV (Kenya), Francis Foundation (Kenya), Bridging Histories UK, and Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).</p>
<p>Entries must include a brief profile of the nominee, a statement detailing 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, while a short video of the nominee at work is optional but considered an added advantage.</p>
<p>Submissions can be made via WhatsApp on +233244759002 or by email to <a href="mailto:teriafoundation1@gmail.com">teriafoundation1@gmail.com</a>. The deadline for all entries is July 2026.</p>
<p>Winners will be unveiled at the AECEA 2026 award ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.</p>
<p>The organisers reaffirmed that the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards remains a proudly African yet globally relevant platform, spotlighting excellence and strengthening collaboration in early childhood education across Africa and the Diaspora.</p>