USA: Cameroonian, Akaba James, clinches global prize for contributing to access to education.

The award ceremony was staged in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, USA.

The ‘We Rise Together’ Awards, it should be said, recognises the work of individuals and organisations that help in reducing barriers to learning and improve student access to education

In a post on the verified Facebook Page of Open Dreams, the organisation, celebrated Akaba James describing, the award as deserving feat.

The organisation said by winning the coveted prize, the scholar has made them proud.

“We are very delighted to announce that at the Duolingo Conference, DETCON2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Country Director of Open Dreams, James Akaba, was one of four people recognised internationally for their work; he got the award for Innovation in the ‘We Rise Together’ Duolingo Awards,” the organisation said.

"The international gathering was both a forum on lowering barriers to education, and an opportunity to recognise distinguished colleagues in the field for their outstanding contributions in improving education access and enriching the lives of students,” it added, stating that: “The 'We Rise Together' Awards recognise individuals and organizations whose work has an immense impact on education access".

The group said it was “fourth International Award within a period of two years received by the selfless, passionate and inspirational Open Dreams Country Director”.

Among many other professional development programs at DETCON2024, the conference participants explored and celebrated digital innovations that enable radical increase in access to education, and also took a deep dive into the Gen Z mindset for admission initiatives.

“We won and we keep winning. We are so indebted to Duolingofor miraculously championing access to international education to a whole new level - many are now able to attain their full potential and contribute optimally to development initiatives,” Open Dreams added.

In a similar outing on social media Wednesday, Akaba James, disclosed that it was both humbling and fulfilling to have been declared one of the winners of the ‘We Rise Together’ Award.

The soft-spoken and exceedingly knowledgeable Akaba wrote: “Hardly a moment so humbling as receiving an International Award from the hands of my mentor over the years - a mentorship relationship which started off in 2018 when I was an International ACAC Scholar. Thank you, Jen Dewar, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement for Duolingo”.

“At the Duolingo Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (DETCon2024), I was fortunate to be among the four globally recognised for their outstanding and impactful contributions in improving education access and enriching the lives of students” he stated. 

“In the ‘We Rise Together’ Award, we brought home the Award for Innovation, on the eve of the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Open Dreams, an access organisation we hold so dear in our hearts,” he continued.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3141 of Friday June 14, 2024