In a career marked by dedication, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to students, one ACCA educator, Mr. Roger Gitonga, a tutor at the Strathmore Institute has achieved notable recognition; ACCA’s Expert Tutor Community and Uongozi Awards by Corporate Career Academy —two prestigious awards that underscore his profound influence in the field. These awards are not just acknowledgments of his expertise but symbols of the transformative impact he has had on students across Africa and the globe. We sat down with this celebrated educator to delve into his journey, his unique approach to teaching, and how these awards reflect his life’s purpose.
For any educator, accolades are milestones that validate years of hard work and dedication, but these awards are particularly special. They celebrate his contribution to the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the world’s largest accounting body, with over 180,000 members across 180 countries. “Receiving these awards is humbling and surreal,” he reflects. “Teaching is often an underappreciated profession, so to have my work recognized in this way is truly meaningful.”
Roger is the only African ACCA expert tutor and the first award was for his contribution to Outstanding Contribution to ACCA Education Award. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing ACCA’s mission of delivering world-class accountancy education. It honours exceptional contributions in innovation, student engagement, and educational leadership, making him one of the few educators to be recognized on this platform.
The second award, Uongozi Awards by Corporate Career Academy for lecturer of the year acknowledges his contribution towards supporting employability initiatives and preparing future East African leaders. This includes his direct impact on students, emphasizing his role in fostering both academic and personal growth—a rare combination that sets him apart.
For over a decade, he has approached teaching as a transformative process. “The awards are a wonderful recognition of my work, but they also reflect a deeper purpose. My goal has always been to help my students become more than just accountants; I want them to grow as individuals and as professionals.” His journey into education was unexpected. Initially, he was a practicing accountant, with no intention of teaching. Then, an invitation led him to the classroom, a calling he hadn’t planned but one that has defined his life since.
These awards highlight the purpose he brings to his teaching: a focus on holistic growth rather than purely academic results. He goes beyond traditional teaching, emphasizing resilience, ethics, and adaptability—qualities essential for life, not just for exams. “When I teach, I’m interested in who my students are becoming, not just their grades. That’s why these awards mean so much; they recognize that teaching is about developing people, not just passing exams.”
The awards also acknowledge his exceptional relationship-building skills. His unique teaching philosophy extends beyond the textbook. “My students aren’t just names in a classroom; they’re individuals with unique journeys. I make an effort to understand their stories, their dreams, and their challenges,” he says. This rapport has resulted in many students reaching out to him during life’s most significant moments, whether for mentorship, guidance, or simply a listening ear.
The second award, which recognizes his impact on students’ personal growth, is a testament to these relationships. He recalls how a student once shared that his teachings on resilience and life’s cycles helped them overcome a period of despair. Another student, who was facing a health scare and the pressure of ACCA exams, sought his guidance. “We worked together for a month, and she passed. Now, she’s on the verge of completing her ACCA journey.”
These connections have also extended into students’ families, with some inviting him to weddings and family events. “Receiving this award is an honor, but every time I’m invited to a student’s special moment, I feel I’ve succeeded in my mission. Those moments show me that my impact goes beyond the classroom.”
Both awards underscore his legacy as a mentor who goes beyond the call of duty. His mentorship style is informal yet deeply impactful, creating a comfortable space where students can openly share their struggles and aspirations. “Some students may not call me a mentor, but someone they trust to be present in their lives. It’s this connection that I value most.”
In his journey with ACCA, he’s seen students grapple with the unique challenges of balancing life, family, and demanding studies. From financial struggles, social media distractions, to pressure of meeting family expectations his students face an array of obstacles. “Many of their families don’t understand what it takes to pursue ACCA. These awards show that teaching is more than just academia; it’s being there for students when life challenges them.”
The recognition he’s received highlights his dedication to student well-being, often supporting them in ways that go beyond traditional teaching. “One day, I canceled a class to attend a prayer conference to pray for my students. Before leaving for the conference, I informed them about it. To my surprise, I turned around during the conference and I saw three-quarter of my class in attendance. Sometimes, it’s about stepping outside the role of a teacher and being there as a guide in life’s darkest moments.”
The ACCA program’s global reach has allowed him to make an impact beyond borders, and his awards reflect this influence. ACCA isn’t just about accounting skills; it’s about developing strategic business leaders prepared to thrive on the global stage. With a staggering statistic that one in every five CFOs or CEOs is an ACCA member, this educator is motivated to prepare his students to make a difference.
The awards celebrate his role in helping his students navigate this rigorous qualification process, ensuring they are not only technically skilled but also equipped for strategic decision-making. “One of my students was one of the highest globally in ACCA, which was a proud moment for him and for our entire community. These awards acknowledge that success is a shared journey.”
Looking to the future, Roger is eager to integrate more technology into ACCA education. As exams fully transition from paper to computer-based, he sees a chance to redefine how students learn and apply their knowledge. “These awards are a reminder that education evolves. I want my students to be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges, not just today’s.”
Reflecting on the two awards, he emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s purpose. For him, teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a mission to inspire, empower, and transform. “Awards are fantastic, but they’re not the end goal. They serve as a reminder that I’m on the right path, impacting lives in meaningful ways.”
His journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to student success. These awards symbolize a legacy of transformation, a celebration of his dedication to developing leaders who will make a lasting difference in the world. As he continues to mentor, guide, and teach, he remains focused on the impact he can make—one student at a time.
Article written by: Teresa Nekesa
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