Updated: March 1, 2021
A science teacher from rural Kenya has won a $1 million prize for the world’s best teacher.
He beat 10, 000 other teachers from 179 countries in a competition run by the Varkey Foundation.
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Peter Tabichi, who gives away most of his salary to support poorer pupils, won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize.
According to BBC, the member of the Franciscan religious order has been praised for his achievements in a deprived school with crowded classes and few text books.
The award was announced in a ceremony in Dubai. It recognises the “exceptional” teacher’s commitment to pupils in a remote part of Kenya’s Rift Valley.
BBC said Tabichi gives away 80% of his pay to support pupils, at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village, Nakuru, who otherwise could not afford uniforms or books.
“It’s not all about money,” BBC quoted Brother Peter, whose pupils are almost all from very disadvantaged families, as saying. Many are orphaned or have lost a parent.
The 36-year-old teacher reportedly wants to raise aspirations and to promote the cause of science, not just in Kenya but across Africa.
“As a teacher working on the front line I have seen the promise of its young people – their curiosity, talent, their intelligence, their belief,” he said.
“Africa’s young people will no longer be held back by low expectations. Africa will produce scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs whose names will be one day famous in every corner of the world. And girls will be a huge part of this story.”
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