Kenyan teacher tipped for top award

Peter Tabichi, a Maths and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Nakuru, has been named a top 10 finalist for a prestigious global award.

Tabichi and other finalists were selected from over 10,000 nominations and applications from 179 countries.

Now in its fifth year, the Sh100 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019 is the largest prize of its kind.

In a special video message announcing the top 10 finalists, actor, singer and producer Hugh Jackman paid a powerful tribute to the work of teachers around the world.

“When I was a kid there were lots of superheroes that I wanted to be. But I can tell you right now, from where I stand, with all my experience, the real superheroes are teachers – they’re the ones that change the world,” he said.

Tabichi (pictured) said, “I am pleased, honoured and humbled to be selected from thousands of applicants from around the world to the top 10 list. I appreciate this great recognition on behalf of all the hard working teachers throughout the world whose great achievements go unnoticed.”

“This nomination has made me view teachers as superstars that the world needs to recognise. My enormous salute goes to all of this year’s finalists who have transformed and are transforming the lives of learners and that of society in different ways. Very special thanks to the Global Teacher Prize Team for selecting me.”

Tabichi gives away 80 per cent of his monthly income to help the poor.

His dedication, hard work and passionate belief in his students’ talents has led his poorly-resourced school to emerge victorious after taking on the country’s best schools in national science competitions.

The school is situated in a remote, semi-arid part of Rift Valley.

Here, students from a host of diverse cultures and religions learn in poorly equipped classrooms. Their lives can be tough in a region where drought and famine are frequent.