I recently had the honour of representing Angola as part of ADPP’s delegation at UNESCO in Paris. Our Teacher Training Schools, where I proudly teach, were recognized as one of the Top 10 finalists for the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development. This global honour celebrates projects with significant impact that align closely with UNESCO’s goals for quality education for all, and being chosen from 102 initiatives worldwide is an immense achievement for Angola!

Being in Paris on World Teachers’ Day, we had the opportunity to showcase Angola’s contributions to global education. Standing at UNESCO alongside the Chairperson of our Board of Directors, I felt the pride of representing everyone involved with ADPP’s Teacher Training Schools—students, graduates, parents, educators, the Ministry of Education, and all our partners. Our schools don’t just teach; we train future teachers to serve rural communities and address real challenges like poverty, sustainability, and health. Our students take charge of their learning and prepare to become leaders in their communities.

UNESCO emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, 

“These ten finalists represent the forefront of global efforts to improve education quality, offering innovative solutions to challenges faced by teachers and students. Their commitment to empowering educators, enhancing learning environments, and fostering community involvement continues to make a lasting impact on teaching practices and student outcomes worldwide.”

Meeting the other finalists was equally inspiring. We learned about Norway’s approach to active learning, which centres on collaborative methods and practical engagement with sustainability—elements essential for our rural schools. Bangladesh demonstrated the importance of involving the whole community in school management, something we can build on in Angola to strengthen community ties. China shared their approach to teacher leadership, equipping teachers to be mentors and role models, which closely aligns with our goal to develop passionate, community-focused educators. These examples encouraged me to think about ways we can bring similar innovations to our own Teacher Training Schools.

This recognition strengthens ADPP’s mission to empower Angolan teachers for the communities that need them most. It’s a responsibility and a privilege I carry with renewed pride and dedication.

Luís Cahisso, Teacher Training School - ADPP Cuanza Norte