Francis Cooke, head of Kamuza Academy for the past eight years, received the award in the New Year Honours list for services to education in Malawi.
He has worked in the heart of Africa for more than 23 years and is as delighted for the school to be recognised as he is for recognition of his own achievements.
Mr Cooke, 53, a father of four, who was born and raised in Hulme, and went to St Bede's school in Whalley Range, was named in the Overseas List category.
`Great honour'
He said: "It is a great honour and I'm very proud for the school. It is a privilege to work in Malawi at a school that has survived some difficulties and gone from strength to strength.
"Kamuza Academy has been described as the Eton of Africa because of its very high educational standards and ethos.
"It is a first-class grammar school with a library that is one of the best in its class. The pupils wear uniforms and boaters on the lines of the UK's best public schools."
Mr Cooke, who lives at an address in Walkden when he returns home for holidays, said the 408-pupil school - located in a tobacco, maize and coffee-producing region of Malawi - was founded in 1981 by Dr Kamuzu Banda.
Mr Cooke said: "I have been in Malawi for so long I'm now teaching the children of former pupils at the school, and that is a very rewarding feeling." Tweet
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Congratulations to Mr Cooke for this prestigious award. Kamuzu Banda had a great vision for Malawians, he also had class. He knew that to maintain the standards of this "Eton of Africa" he had to have well trained europeans to help him run the school to the European standards. Afterall don't we Africans crave to send our children to UK to get high standards of education!!! Let Kamuzu's quest for high education for Malawians keep burning at KA
A well-deserved award for a teacher remembered with fondness by his pupils. I wish that all my teachers had been as engaging and knowledgeable in presenting their subjects. He brought modern history to life with his narrations. His personal recognition will also bring recognition for KA as an institution.
Congratulations to Mr Cooke what a shame we dont have the same self sacrificing teachers and enlightened pupils at schools in the UK. Both Mr Cooke and especially his pupils are a credit to the school
Congratulation Mr Cooke, you deserve this honour and as a former KA student and a member of your House Chilowa,I am very happy for you.
We are happy to note that you did not decide to quit the KA during the transition period but you kept "the sinking boat afloat" well done indeed.
It also gives us great pleassure that our daughter is also benefitting from your charisma!
Please do not leave KA before she finishes.
By the way our son is in reception school, we hope he will find Mr Cooke still there!!!!!!
Lastly but not least congratulations for the excellent results you have been achieving.
Well done Mr COOKE.This is no mean achievement.You have worked so tirelessly to take Kamuzu Academy to where it is today.As a former student of Chilowa,Iam very proud of you.There is no doubt that your contribution to this nation will go a long way in developing Malawi.As I send my daughter to this great school,I will always remeber you and your achievements.Congraturations and God Bless You.
Warmest felicitations, Frank.
I hope that the publicity associated with your well- deserved award will enable you to attact corporate and/or private sponsorship for your goal of offering scholarships to poor but bright Malawian students. I hope that potential sponsors will contact you at <kamuzuacademy@sdnp.org.mw>
He has been my headmaster for 3 years at kamuzu academy.He is a realy great teacher.He loved the school and the students.He always was so keen to make sure that every thing in the school went smothly and every one was happy at the end of the day.He alway used to say "you are the futer leaders of this world"