Kenyan teacher Peter Tabichi has been named the winner of the $1mn (Sh100 million) Global Teacher Prize 2019.
Tabichi, who is a Maths and Physics teacher was announced the winner on stage in Dubai by movie star Hugh Jackman in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Tabichi who is a member of the Franciscan Brothers is a teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School, Nakuru County. He was chosen from our top 10 finalists who come from all corners of the globe. As earlier reported by The Sauce, Tabachi is among a handful of teachers shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize 2019 selected from over 10,000 nominations and applications from 179 countries around the world. Now in its fifth year, the US$1 million award is the largest prize of its kind.
Tabichi gives 80 percent of his teaching salary to local community projects, including education, sustainable agriculture, and peace-building. A report from The Sauce recounts the priest’s efforts to boost education for the disadvantaged students in Rift Valley. The Sauce reported, Tabachi a Franciscan Brother of the Catholic Church, chose to dedicate himself to teaching full time, donating 80% of his monthly income to assist the needy through the Franciscan Brothers. His remote school in a semi-arid and impoverished area of the Rift Valley region is poorly resourced and dominated by students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. He has canvassed for donations to equip the school laboratory, boosted the self-esteem of students by launching a Talent Nurturing Club, a Peace Club for debating and strengthening the school Science Club.
“From teaching in remote towns and villages to inner-city schools, they advocate for inclusivity and for child rights, integrate migrants into the classrooms, and nurture their students’ abilities and confidence using music, technology, robotics, and science. Peter has dedicated his life to helping others,” the Varkey Foundation said.“He’s changed the lives of his students in many ways, including the introduction of science clubs and the promotion of peace between different ethnic groups and religions,” it added.
He has also helped to address food insecurity among the wider community in the famine-prone Rift Valley. Tabachi had lots to say about what he plans to do with his millions in winnings.
The Global Teacher Prize is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.
The prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation under the patronage of Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
This article was first posted on Capital FM News.
