DUBAI: Physics and Mathematics teacher Peter Tabichi from Kenya has won USD1 Million Global Award.
The 36-year-old teacher from rural Kenya has been crowned the best teacher in the world. Peter Tabichi who donates 80% of his salary to the poor students has been awarded $1million.
He won the award beating 10,000 nominations from 179 countries.
best teacher in the world
Peter Tabichi, is a maths and physics teacher at Keriko secondary school in Pwani Village. The village is located in a remote part of Kenya’s Rift Valley.
He has won the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019.
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Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019.
Tabichi, a member of the Franciscan religious order, received his prize at a ceremony in Dubai hosted by actor Hugh Jackman.
Global Teacher Prize Award Ceremony
Most of the 90% of his students are from very poor families. He gives away 80% of his income to the students who could otherwise cannot afford uniform or even books.
The school is overly crowded and poorly equipped. Most of the students come from low income family, are orphans, or have single parent.
He gives away 80% of his income to poor students
Challenges are many for teachers as well as students.
The students have to walk 7km to reach the school. These roads become impossible to pass in rain. The are can be affected by drought and famine.
Due to a bad internet connection, Peter Tabichi has to travel to a cyber cafe to download teaching material.
Classes are meant for 35 to 40 students but 70 to 80 students are taught at a time in groups.
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The student teacher ratio is 58:1.
Despite having all these challenges and having only one computer without reliable internet connection, he has been able to form a “talent nurturing club”. He has also expanded the school science club. The students work on science project and their projects now are of the level that can enter national competition.
This is Africa’s time
His students have won international competitions as well.
Peter Tabichi and four other teacher also give home coaching to the struggling students.
Receiving the price he said:
“It’s morning in Africa. The skies are clear. The day is young and there is a blank page waiting to be written. This is Africa’s time,”
“I am only here because of what my students have achieved. This prize gives them a chance. It tells the world that they can do anything.”
