By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
James A. Akaba, Cameroon Country Director of Open Dreams, has been honored with the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) ‘Going the Extra Mile (GEM)’ Award. The prestigious recognition was recently conferred on Mr. Akaba for his outstanding contributions to international education.
In a statement announcing the award, International ACAC praised Mr. Akaba as an exemplary leader in the field of International Education. The organization highlighted his unwavering commitment to equity, access, and student success that has transformed the lives of countless young scholars, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The statement further noted, “His innovative approach and dedication to the HALI network make him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.” International ACAC emphasized that Mr. Akaba’s impact goes beyond individual students, as he fosters systemic change in access to higher education for marginalized groups in Cameroon and beyond.
The Cameroonian community has reportedly praised the GEM Award given to Mr. Akaba, describing it as a recognition that is truly deserved for the “tremendous work” he is doing. The International ACAC GEM Award program is designed to recognize the exemplary work of its members who demonstrate a dedication to the profession, colleagues, and students.
Recipients are everyday members who show they are “going the extra mile” by demonstrating best practices, acts of good will, creativity, and ethics. The award recipients are expected to demonstrate their commitment to the profession by supporting the objectives and strategic goals of International ACAC.
This commitment can manifest through consistent participation in a committee that strengthens the organization or a willingness to go above and beyond the duties of their role to assist others.
Mr. Akaba joins other notable recipients of the award, including Rebecca Zeigler Mano, Director of Education Matters; Mabrookah Heneidi, Independent Education Consultant and Founder/Executive Director of the Gazan Student Support Network, Crossroads Advising; Azamat Tulepbergenov from the “Bilim-Innovation” International Community Fund; and Laura Kaub of the Duolingo English Test, Kenya.
