Founder of Camille’s Academy conferred with Honorary Doctorate award at World School Summit in Malaysia

Jan 26, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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-School receives global award for dedication to holistic education

Kaieteur News- Education and resilience go hand in hand, as both are essential to overcoming challenges and achieving success. Resilience in education is not just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about developing the ability to adapt, learn from failures, and keep moving forward with determination.

For Camille Deokie, Founder of Camille’s Academy, the journey in education has always been about more than just academic achievement. It’s about creating opportunities, nurturing the whole individual, and shaping the future of students across the globe.

Recently, her tireless dedication to this mission was recognized at the World School Summit in Malaysia, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Maryland State University. It’s a moment she describes as surreal, yet deeply emotional.

“Attending the World School Summit in Malaysia was nothing short of extraordinary. Being in a space with educators and leaders who share the same passion for transforming education was inspiring,” Deokie shared. “Receiving the honorary doctorate from Maryland State University felt surreal—it was a deeply emotional moment that reminded me of the countless hours, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to my vision for education.”

This honorary doctorate is not just a personal achievement for Deokie; it is a reflection of her dedication and the values instilled in her by her family, mentors, and life experiences. “On a personal level, it’s a reflection of the values instilled in me by my family, mentors, and life experiences. It represents the resilience and determination that have guided me,” she explained. “Professionally, it’s an affirmation of the work we’re doing at Camille’s Academy and a call to action to continue raising the bar for education, not just locally but globally.”

Her vision for education is one that has been shaped by many factors, particularly the support she’s received from those closest to her. “My family has always been my backbone, encouraging me to dream big and persevere through challenges,” Deokie reflected.

The team at Camille’s Academy has been equally instrumental, embodying the values of excellence and inclusivity. “The team at Camille’s Academy is nothing short of exceptional—they embody the vision of excellence and inclusivity that we strive for every day.”

One of the key moments that shaped her approach to education came when she witnessed a struggling student achieve success against all odds. “One pivotal moment was seeing a struggling student achieve remarkable success through sheer determination and the right support. It reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.” This experience, along with her ongoing commitment to innovation, drives her to ensure Camille’s Academy remains a place where every student can thrive.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, Camille’s Academy recently received a global award at the World School Summit for its dedication to holistic education, a model that nurtures students not only academically but also emotionally and socially. “It’s an indescribable honour to receive this prestigious recognition at the World School Summit. This award represents a culmination of the collective dedication, hard work, and vision of everyone at Camille’s Academy—from our exceptional teachers and staff to our incredible students and their families,” Deokie said proudly.

She stressed that the recognition is not just a celebration of academic success but of the holistic approach to education that Camille’s Academy champions. “Education is not just about academics but about nurturing the whole individual—mind, body, and spirit. Our goal has always been to create a space where students not only excel academically but also develop critical life skills, emotional intelligence, and a strong moral foundation.”

Looking ahead, Deokie is eager to build on the momentum of this global recognition. “This recognition has fuelled my ambition to scale new heights,” she said, highlighting plans to transform Camille’s Academy into a smart school leveraging advanced technology and personalized learning. Additionally, she’s exploring programmes focused on global leadership, STEM innovation, and cultural exchange. “We’re currently working on transforming Camille’s Academy into a smart school, leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience,” she shared. “We’re also exploring ways to introduce programmes that focus on global leadership, STEM innovation, and cultural exchange.”

For Deokie, this recognition is just the beginning. The honorary doctorate and global award have only strengthened her resolve to continue advocating for transformative education. “It serves as a powerful reminder of why I began this journey—to create opportunities and inspire others to achieve their fullest potential,” she explained.

Her advice to others hoping to make a difference in the world, especially in education, is simple but powerful: “Believe in your vision, even when others don’t. Education is about more than just knowledge—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering confidence, and inspiring change. Be ready to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the power of a strong, supportive team.”

As she continues to push for innovation and excellence in education, Camille Deokie is proving that holistic education is not just a lofty idea—it’s a powerful reality that transforms lives and empowers futures. With a vision focused on making a global impact, Deokie’s journey is far from over, and the world will surely be watching as she continues to lead the way in educational reform.

(Founder of Camille’s Academy conferred with Honorary Doctorate award at World School Summit in Malaysia)

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• holistic education, learn from failures, Malaysia, overcoming challenges, World School Summit

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