The shortlist of twenty entries features a wide range of inspirational educators and innovative projects ranging from those that aim to promote literacy among women and tackle youth unemployment, to those that empower teachers and academics, and promote peace education. Commenting on the awards shortlist, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said:“The sixth Commonwealth Education Awards not only celebrate promising and innovative practices but also aim to share these ideas with other Commonwealth countries who can replicate them to enhance learning outcomes. Back for its sixth year, the Awards was launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat to recognise and celebrate promising and innovative programmes, projects, and people that have made a positive impact on the education sector – on students, their teachers, or their education system – across the Commonwealth. The Education Awards are such a huge part of what we do at the Commonwealth given that 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion population is under the age of 30. And there has never been a better time to recognise the innovation, dedication and commitment demonstrated by the education profession in the Commonwealth. Education is a top priority for the Secretariat and every Commonwealth country. These awards come at a time when the world continues to navigate the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education systems, a topic that will be discussed at the upcoming Commonwealth Education Ministers Meeting in Nairobi. Over the past two years, we have seen the vital work that schools, educators, and communities do daily to support our education systems. These awards are a fitting moment to recognise their tireless efforts and incredible work in supporting young people across the Commonwealth. Congratulations to all those shortlisted.”Layne Robinson, Head of Social Policy Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “Thank you once again to all who submitted their entries and a huge congratulations to the shortlisted candidates in each category. This year, our judges were overwhelmed with the highest quality entries for the awards, so getting to the shortlist is a great achievement.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge burden on educational institutions across the Commonwealth. Now, more than ever, we must continue to recognise achievements and acknowledge the vital roles being played in helping the Commonwealth meet its education targets towards the 2030 Agenda. This year, a record number of entries – 2,462 entries – from 32 countries was received, of which 640 met the submission criteria. Judges were highly impressed by the numerous examples of excellence, resilience, talent and innovation in the many submissions received. Of the twenty shortlisted, six finalists will be announced at a virtual ceremony on 28 April 2022 held on the margins of the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Nairobi. The twenty shortlisted entries were chosen by an expert panel of judges in the following categories: Rethinking Education for Innovation Rethinking Education for Work Rethinking Education for Sustainability Education as Pathways to Peace Education for Inclusion Commonwealth Outstanding Teacher or School Leader
