Peter Tabichi, 36, from Kenya won the Global Teacher Prize of Dhs 3.67 million ($1 million) in Dubai at a star studded ceremony at Atlantis, The Palm on Sunday, 24 March. The award was presented in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai along with actor Hugh Jackman.
Peter gives away 80 per cent of his monthly salary to help students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds to help them cover the cost of their uniform and books. Almost all the pupils studying at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village in Nakuru, either come from a poor family background, or have lost parents. Many of them walk long distances to reach school and are taught in groups of 60 and 70.
On the technology front, the school has a poor internet connection, however, it does not stop the winning teacher from going out of his way to help his students. He goes to a cyber-café to download science lessons for students, and many of his students have participated in national and international science competitions.
“Every day in Africa we turn a new page and a new chapter. This prize does not recognise me but recognises this great continent’s young people. 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. And girls will be a huge part of this story who tries to persuade families who expect their daughters to get married at an early age to keep them in school”, said Peter Tabichi in his emotional speech after receiving the award.
The Global Teacher Prize was launched in 2015 and Peter Tabichi is the fifth winner which sees over 30,000 applications and nominations each year.