Portia Dzifa Dzilah, a dedicated teacher at Pakro Anglican Basic School in the Eastern Region of Ghana, has made history by becoming the first Ghanaian to win the Sub-Saharan Africa regional award in the prestigious 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.
Her groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for Ghana, as she stands out among over 5,000 nominations from 101 countries. Dzilah’s inspiring efforts to uplift her students and promote education in a rural farming community have earned her both national and international recognition.
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Empowering Girls Through Education and Mentorship
Portia Dzifa Dzilah’s recognition comes as a result of her unwavering commitment to addressing critical challenges in the Pakro community, such as low school enrolment, high teenage pregnancy rates, and truancy. Through her impactful initiatives—including mentorship programs, hygiene education, and the formation of a girls’ empowerment club—she has been a beacon of hope and change.
“This award is not just for me. It’s for the children of Pakro and every girl who has ever been told her dreams are impossible,” she said. “Education is a lifeline. I teach to transform lives and fight for every child’s future.”
Global Recognition and Reward
As a regional winner, Dzilah will receive £500 worth of Cambridge educational materials, a commemorative trophy, and global exposure across Cambridge University Press & Assessment platforms. Her story will also be featured on the ‘Thank You’ page of upcoming Cambridge textbooks, set to be released in November 2025.
Rod Smith, Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, applauded Dzilah’s impact. “Great teachers like Portia go beyond the classroom—they inspire, guide, and transform. In an era dominated by AI, it’s heartening to see educators like her making a human difference.”
Vote for Portia Dzilah as the Global Winner
With her regional win secured, Dzilah now qualifies for the 2025 Global Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award. The public is encouraged to support her by voting at dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote before April 30, 2025. The global winner will be announced on May 21, 2025.
About the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards honour outstanding educators worldwide who go beyond teaching to make lasting impacts in their communities. Organized by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the awards highlight the essential role teachers play in shaping the future.
Portia Dzifa Dzilah’s achievement is not only a win for Ghana but also an inspiration to educators across the continent.
