Angie recognized among group of "extraordinary leaders transforming education globally"
The medal recognizes extraordinary leaders who transform education globally, celebrating their dedication, creativity, and impactful contributions to the field.
As well as being CAMFED’s Chief Executive Officer, Angie is a founding member of our powerful sisterhood of girls’ education leaders, the CAMFED Association (more than a quarter million strong) who know first-hand the complex web of barriers to girls’ education, which extend well beyond the classroom. Members spearhead CAMFED’s programs, partnering with their communities to provide the financial and social support girls and young women need to learn and thrive in school, and become independent and influential.
Together we ensure that vulnerable girls have a sister to lean on, know about their rights, and gain the skills they need – in the classroom and throughout their lives. Angie also brings the expertise from the communities we serve to our partnership with governments, as we work to ensure that education systems better serve the needs of all children.
A huge thank you to T4 Education for recognizing and celebrating the expertise, potential and impact of education leaders across Africa. This isn't about a single person, it's about the collective. It's about building a movement accountable to children across underserved communities. It’s about showing the world what's possible when we recognize and build on the wisdom and leadership within those communities. I'm proud to represent CAMFED's tireless champions who drive this movement forward.Angie Murimirwa, CEO of CAMFED and founding member of the CAMFED Association of girls' education leaders
The 27th Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership posted her congratulations, saying: “You embody the power and expertise inherent in every young person who has lived through disadvantage and exclusion, and for whom education has changed everything. Now, you are unlocking doors to opportunity for millions more. I have experienced first-hand the magic and the multiplier of the sisterhood that is the CAMFED Association: Each graduate supporting at least 3 more girls on the journey through school, and into independence and influence at every level.”
Established by T4 Education and HP in 2022, the Africa Education Medal was the first of the three World Education Medals (Africa, Asia and Latin America) to be founded, and has grown to become Africa’s most prestigious education accolade.
The Finalists, leaders at the forefront of educational innovation, were selected for their outstanding impact and commitment to advancing education.
Get to know the 10 Africa Education Medal finalists
Today, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe, Hon Minister T Moyo (MP), wrote to Angie Murimirwa to extend his and the Ministry’s congratulations.
He wrote, “This prestigious nomination is a testament to your unwavering dedication to the education of girls and the empowerment of young women across Africa…I am immensely proud of our Ministry’s longstanding partnership with CAMFED…The Ministry is particularly aware and proud that you were one of the first girls supported by CAMFED in your education. Your nomination is a powerful demonstration of your transformational leadership.”
(The photo pictures the Minister with Angie Murimirwa at our joint launch of a new in-school climate education program in March 2024)
Read the endorsement letter from the Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe
The Hon Douglas Syakalima sent a video message celebrating Angie Murimirwa’s leadership. The two had met in Zambia in early 2024, discussing our joint ambition for accelerated investment in quality education for every child, and the role of youth-led mentorship through the Learner Guide model. He said, “This nomination is well-deserved and is a recognition of your personal contribution to the education of girls and young women in Africa, and Zambia appreciates your tireless effort. Under your leadership, CAMFED Zambia has contributed to the increased enrollment, performance, implementation rates, and completion rates, particularly for girls.”
The Africa Education Medal honours changemakers where change is needed most. Where learning gaps remain stubbornly persistent and where deep inequalities remain. If we are to tackle these colossal challenges, and unlock the continent’s future, we must build a community of leaders from every sphere of society committed to educational transformation. Leaders like Angeline Murimirwa. Africa, and the world, has so much to learn from your inspirational story and your vital contribution to the next generation.Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education
A global jury, along with local expert juries, will assess the finalists and vote for the winner of each medal. Winners will be announced in October 2024.
To follow the conversation on social media, and send your congratulations to Angie, please tag @camfed and use the hashtag #AfricaEduMedal.
Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa, CEO of CAMFED, helped found our sisterhood of leaders for girls’ education – the CAMFED Association – 25 years ago. Watch her TED Talk to see the world through the eyes of a girl in rural Africa, find out why school is not enough, and experience the difference that a ‘Big Sister’ can make.
"CAMFED empowers girls and young women, and they in turn reshape their countries. Girls' education may be the highest-return investment available in the world today." - Nicholas Kristof, New York Times Op-Ed Columnist
CNN’s African Voices Changemakers highlights the leadership of Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa and her sisters in the CAMFED Association, deploying their lived experience and deep expertise to achieve gender equality, economic development and climate action through girls’ education.
Rayna Cutrona $21.4
Toni Octave $5.6
Matthew Swedlund $150
Willette Scott-Ash $3.5
Denae Whaley $15
Philip Cannon £31.4
Arpita Mitra $10.9
Mary Valladares $26.6
Dale Jacques $100
Antoinette Breutel £31.4
Trinidad Pacheco $5.6
Claire Hogg $13
Barbara Luckhurst £70
Lorraine Harris $13
Laura Adamski $10.9
