Kenyan science teacher Peter Tabichi becomes the first African to win the Global Teacher Prize

On Sunday March 24, Kenyan Science teacher Peter Tabichi won the 2019 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, as a recognition for his contribution to his school in Nakuru Kenya.

Beating 10,000 other nominees from 179 countries, Peter Tabichi was awarded a $1 million prize for the world’s best teacher. He is known for giving away 80% of his pay to support pupils, at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village, who otherwise could not afford uniforms or books.

The 36-year-old teacher wants to raise aspirations and to promote the cause of science, not just in Kenya but across Africa.

‘‘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,’‘ Tabichi said in his acceptance speech.

Brother Peter Tabichi

Peter Tabichi is a Maths and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School, Pwani Village, Nakuru, Kenya, but also a Franciscan monk, a member of the Catholic religious order founded by St Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century.

36-year-old Tabichi mentored his pupils through the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair 2018 – where students showcased a device they had invented to allow blind and deaf people to measure objects.

He started a talent nurturing club and expanded the school’s Science Club, helping pupils design research projects of such quality that 60% now qualify for national competitions.

Taabichi’s students came first nationally in the public schools category. The Mathematical Science team also qualified to participate at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair 2019 in Arizona, USA, for which they’re currently preparing. His students have also won an award from The Royal Society of Chemistry after harnessing local plant life to generate electricity

The Global Teacher Prize

“Now in its fifth year, the US $1 million award Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind, and was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.”

Tabichi will now serve as a global ambassador for the Varkey Foundation, attending public events and speaking in public forums about improving the prestige of the teaching profession.

We hope that his story will inspire other teachers all over the world !

Sources: BBC Africa, Globalnews.ca, Africa News