“Everything we do in the classroom gives children a message. A powerful message. It’s not always what the teacher is teaching, so we must think about the ways we are empowering children or we’re destroying children. Give them a curriculum that will help them love themselves.”

— Dr. Annette Henry, Professor, and David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education.

At UBC, we recognize the importance of nurturing future teachers who reflect various social and cultural identities, so they may go into their communities and educate Canada’s diverse population of young minds.

The Bimema Family Award in Teacher Education was created by Faculty of Education Professor Dr. Bathseba Opini in collaboration with former Dean Blye Frank to honor, appreciate and reciprocate her family’s longstanding legacy of committed and passionate educators in the community.

The endowed Bimema Family Award supports Bachelor of Education students who identify as Black and have achieved good academic standing. This award not only enriches the teaching profession but also inspires confidence and self-belief, while simultaneously challenging racial barriers and systemic inequities. By actively recruiting and supporting teachers from underrepresented groups we can build a more inclusive educational environment essential for addressing the diverse needs of our student body.