Ghanaian teacher wins prestigious 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award

Portia Dzifa Dzilah, a teacher from Pakro Anglican Basic School, has made history. She is the first Ghanaian regional winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. This competition is organized by Cambridge University Press and Assessment in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Judges selected Portia for her dedication to young people in her community. She is the first Ghanaian teacher recognized as a regional winner in seven years.

Portia is one of nine regional winners in this global competition. As a winner, she will receive £500 worth of books for her class and a trophy. She will also participate in a regional awards ceremony with NNF Esquire. Additionally, she will gain publicity for herself and her school over the next year. Her name will appear on a ‘Thank you’ page in new Cambridge textbooks available from November 2025.

Portia teaches at Pakro Anglican Basic School in Akwapem South Municipal Assembly, Eastern Ghana. The school is located in a farming community facing challenges like truancy and low enrollment, especially for girls. Portia has mentored girls on food and sanitary initiatives. She also formed a gender club to help students transform their lives.

On her nomination, Portia said, “This recognition is not just about me; it’s about the children of Pakro.” She emphasized that every girl deserves to pursue her dreams. “I became a teacher to change lives,” she added.

“My mission has always been to ensure no child is left behind,” Portia stated. “Education is a lifeline, and I will fight for every child's access to it.” She believes investing in children means investing in community futures.

Rod Smith, Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, praised teachers like Portia. He noted that they go above and beyond because they believe education can change lives.

Smith highlighted that technology cannot replace the empathy and inspiration great teachers provide. He congratulated Portia on her accomplishments and expressed hope that she inspires others across Ghana.