A Kenyan teacher Peter Mokaya Tabichi is the winner of
Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize 2019. Tabichi was announced the winner
in a ceremony held in Dubai on Sunday evening walking away with $1 million,
which is equivalent to more than Ksh 100 million.
He teaches Mathematics and Physics at Keriko Day Secondary
School in Pwani Village Nakuru County. The teacher touched hearts of many after
the fact that he gives out 80% of his salary to charity including helping needy
students, peace building, and agriculture.
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. He has also
helped address food insecurity among the wide community in the famine-prone
Rift Valley.
Tabichi has made history, as he becomes the first African teacher
to win the global prize. Among 10 finalists, he emerged the winner in an award
that attracted 10,000 applications.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is among the many Kenyans who have
sent congratulatory messages to the 36-year-old teacher. He said, “On behalf of
all Kenyans let me congratulate you on winning the Global Teacher Prize for
this year. You are a shining example on what the human spirit can achieve not
just for Kenya, not just for Africa but the world.
