A FRANCISCAN Brother who gives away his teacher’s salary is the world’s best educator.
Peter Tabichi (pic), 36, a Maths and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School, Pwani Village, Nakuru, Kenya, was named the winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019 in Dubai recently.
Awarded under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, the US$1mil (RM4.19mil) prize money is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. The glitzy ceremony was held on March 24, at Atlantis, The Palm, with superstar Hugh Jackman performing songs from The Greatest Showman.
Looking dapper, and a far cry from his scruffy alter-ego Wolverine, Jackman paid tribute to teachers before announcing the winner.
“There’s no job more important than being a teacher. This event gives us a chance to thank those who don’t get appreciated enough.
“When I was 18, I was a teacher’s assistant in London. I realised then what being a teacher really meant. I saw how hard they prepared just to teach an hour of class. It was humbling to see the service and care they showed every student.
“If it weren’t for my teachers, I wouldn’t be standing here today. Teachers cajole, encourage, and pick you off the floor when you just can’t get up. They’re the real stars.”
Now in its fifth year, the award is the largest prize of its kind.
In a congratulatory video message broadcast into the ceremony hall, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, described Tabichi as a shining example of what the human spirit can achieve.
“Your story is the story of Africa, a young continent bursting with talent. Your students have shown that they can compete amongst the best in the world in science, technology, and all fields of human endeavour.
“All we need is to give them the right support. You give me faith that Africa’s best days are ahead of us and your story will light the way for future generations.”
Varkey Foundation founder Sunny Varkey hopes Tabichi’s story will encourage others to enter the teaching profession, and highlight the inspiring work teachers do to make tomorrow better.
Selected from over 10,000 nominations from 179 countries, 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.
Malaysia’s special education teacher Dr Muhamad Khairul Anuar Hussin, 40, made the top 50 shortlist this year. Ten finalists were invited for the award ceremony and treated to a star-studded concert featuring Little Mix, Rita Ora and Liam Payne.
Read what Tabichi has to say.
Taking challenges head on
Irrespective of your situation, or the challenges you’re facing, you can be successful with passion and commitment. So don’t worry. See challenges as opportunities to do great things. You can be anything you want to be. Work hard. You have the potential to do great things. There’s so much in store for you if you realise your talents. Get your parents, teachers, and others to help, but you must know your talents from a young age. Don’t wait until you are an adult. Appreciate that we are all born for a reason and failures are a part of life. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn. And, if you don’t learn, you’ll never change. Challenges and failures make us stronger and more creative in looking for solutions.
His students
My school is in a remote part of Kenya. We lack facilities that many take for granted. Most of the children come from very poor backgrounds so the level of concentration is very low. They cannot afford breakfast so when they’re in school, they cannot concentrate because they don’t have enough food at home.
I was moved by the difficulties our village was facing and I felt I could help. Before this, I was teaching at a rich private school. Then I realised that those in the nearby communities needed my help. That’s when I decided to teach at Keriko, where I found a community of dedicated and hardworking teachers, students, and stakeholders.
We work together to find solutions to many challenges. In 2007, tribalism and ethnic rivalry led to a brutal massacre in Nakuru. We set up a Peace Club to unite the different tribes in school, and succeeded in bringing everyone together through activities. I’m very proud of them.
Growing up
When I was young, I faced all sorts of challenges but there were people helping me. I was raised in a family of teachers. I lost my mother when I was 11. My father, a primary school teacher, was a very inspiring man. He had to do everything for the family, including preparing our meals and educating us. Most important was the moral values he instilled in us. He taught us to be humble, God-fearing, selfless, resilient, and generous. He’s very strong. He did great work and was a very approachable teacher. He’s my hero and I try hard to be like him. I joined the religious life because I wanted to dedicate myself wholly to helping and caring for others. Coming to Dubai was my first time on a plane. The furthest I’d traveled before this was by bus to Uganda.
A noble profession
Teaching is a great, and noble profession. It’s in my blood. To be a great teacher, you must lead by example because children watch what you’re doing, and they relate. Engage and motivate them. You must be committed, resilient, and passionate. If you keep thinking about your salary, you won’t be able to give your best.
The value of teachers cannot be measured in terms of money because we do great work and if we were to be paid for it, the amount would be in the millions. When you’re promoting education, you’re empowering society and changing the world.
A good teacher is one who’s very close with the students. You have to be creative. Embrace technology and modern ways of teaching. Do more, and talk less.
There are times when you deal with very difficult children but be patient. Don’t get angry. When children see that you’re serious, they’ll respect you.
Empowering the young
I’m most passionate about teaching when I see my students’ progress. I try to make them feel more confident. One way is to let them participate in student-centred activities, and mentor them to come up with science innovations. I’m very proud that the girls are shining as we’re trying to get them interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
If students have self-confidence, and are allowed to express their talents and abilities, they’ll believe that they can do well in other areas too. I also make sure my kids are happy so that they can concentrate. One way to do that is to make learning interesting. So, I use locally available items like bananas and bread, in our science projects.
Newly minted millionaire to give money away
I’m going to give it back to my students’ communities because they’re facing so many challenges. Looking forward, I want to do more to motivate them. I want to use this Global Teacher status to encourage, and share with them the important role teachers play so that they respect the profession. Food security is a major problem here so I’m also teaching the villagers new ways of farming.
What it means to be the world’s best
It’s a great surprise. It’s not just for me, Kenya, and Africa, but for the whole world. This award shows that teachers matter. I’m pleased, humbled, and honoured, to be awarded this prize.
I accept it on behalf of all the hardworking teachers throughout the world. I salute my fellow teachers who transform the life of learners and society in so many different ways.
I’m here because of what my students have achieved. This prize gives them a chance. It tells the world that they can do anything.
As a teacher working on the front line, I’ve seen the promise of our young – their curiosity, talent, intelligence, and belief.
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