Kenyan Teacher Wins $1 Million Global Teacher Prize

Peter Tabichi, a science teacher who teaches in a remote part of Kenya, has won the Global Teacher Prize 2019. He beat competition from 10, 000 applicants from over 175 nations to win the prestigious award.

36-year-old Tabichi teaches in Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in the semi-arid village of Pwani in rural Kenya is an inspiration. He has dedicated his life to helping and teaching others. He donates most of his earnings to the poor and teaches his students over the weekends, most of whom are plagued by poverty and are either orphans or have a single parent. Pwani is also an area that frequently experiences droughts and famines and students have to walk several kilometres to reach the school. Also, poverty, young marriages, suicides, drug abuse, and teenage pregnancies are very common.

The school also, understandably, does not boast of great facilities and is poorly-equipped. There is only one computer and internet connectivity is erratic.

Despite all these issues, Tabichi inspires his students, many of whom have successfully competed at international science competitions. Beating all odds, he initiated a ‘talent nurturing club’ that ignites the inner genius of the students and helps them with design and create innovative science research projects.

And his efforts are paving rich dividends. His students have won an award from The Royal Society of Chemistry after successfully harnessing local plant life to generate electricity. Further, the Mathematical Science team has qualified for participation at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair 2019 in Arizona, United States of America.

Apart from helping his students gain knowledge, Peter also helps them build confidence and self-esteem. He also visits students’ homes to identify and understand what challenges they might face in their pursuit of education. He also works towards promoting peace between different ethnic groups and religions. Further, he has also aided in addressing the issue of food insecurity in the community.

Thanks to Peter’s efforts, the school has seen its enrollment rate double. Further, the cases of indiscipline have fallen from 30 per week to a mere three. Also, the fact that 26 students from the school went to college and university in 2018 is a testimony to his efforts and skills as a teacher. This is a sharp rise from only 16 the previous year.

The ceremony took place in Dubai and Tabichi was awarded the prize by actor Hugh Jackman.

What is the Global Teacher Award?

The Global Teacher Award serves to underscore the importance of teachers and educators in the world. It seeks to recognize and appreciate the efforts of teachers towards the upliftment of not only their students but also the entire community.

According to the website, the award is “presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.”

The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation and the winner is awarded prize money of $1 million.

Read more about the award here.

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