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Kenyan teacher wins $1m Dubai prize; ex-Indian actor among nominees

Dubai - Tabichi had travelled on a plane for the first time when he flew from Kenya to Dubai for the ceremony.

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A teacher from a remote, poverty-ridden village in Kenya, Peter Tabichi, has been declared the world's best teacher and awarded $1 million during a glitzy ceremony in Dubai on Sunday. Tabichi paid tribute to Africa's youth after winning the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize.
Tabichi, 36, is a maths and physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Kenya's Pwani Village. His school has only one computer powered by a weak Internet connection.
 
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An emotional speech from our 2019 Global Teacher Prize Winner Peter Tabichi ??
- Global Teacher Prize (@TeacherPrize) March 24, 2019

He gives away 80 per cent of his earnings to the poor. Tabichi left teaching at a private school to help students in need.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, handed over the trophy to the teacher after he was announced as the winner by Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.
"Every day in Africa, we turn a new page and a new chapter. Today is another day. 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 victory speech.

@PeterTabichi, a Maths and Physics teacher from Kenya, has been named as the winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019! pic.twitter.com/Dn0lPWmQx5
- Global Teacher Prize (@TeacherPrize) March 24, 2019

Congratulations @petertabichi! So well deserved! #TeachersMatter @TeacherPrize https://t.co/AVEb5Hmvmy
- KHDA (@KHDA) March 24, 2019

He gives away 80 per cent of his earnings to the poor. Tabichi left teaching at a private school to help students in need.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, handed over the trophy to the teacher after he was announced as the winner by Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.
"Every day in Africa, we turn a new page and a new chapter. Today is another day. 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 victory speech.


"As a teacher working on the front line I have seen the promise of its young people - their curiosity, talent, their intelligence, their belief. Africa's young people will no longer be held back by low expectations. Africa will produce scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs whose names will be one day famous in every corner of the world. And girls will be a huge part of this story.
"I believe science and technology can play a leading role in unlocking Africa's potential. We all know that scientific discovery and innovation fuel progress, facilitate development and can tackle issues such as food insecurity, water shortages and climate change. It's morning in Africa.
"The skies are clear. The day is young and there is a blank page waiting to be written. This is Africa's time."
He shared some of his own personal challenges that he faced while growing up and said that showed him the importance of an education.

Top Ten Teachers .... the 9 of you will stay in my heart forever.@GESForum @TeacherPrize https://t.co/XblYgTsPNn
- Swaroop (@YoSwaroop) March 24, 2019

Are you ready? @RealHughJackman and our Top 10 finalists are! #TeacherPrize pic.twitter.com/oooqFUINnW
- Global Teacher Prize (@TeacherPrize) March 24, 2019

"Growing up, we faced many challenges. I lost my mother at the age of 11. After this, my father - a primary school teacher - had to do everything for the sake of the family, including preparing meals and educating us. Most importantly, instilling moral and ethical values in us. He told us to be hardworking, God-fearing, humble, selfless and resilient," Tabichi said.
Kenyan President congratulates Tabichi 
The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, gave a special video message right after Tabichi was announced as the winner.
"On behalf of all Kenyans, I congratulate you for winning for the Global Teacher Prize for this year. You are a shining example of what the human spirit can achieve, not just for Kenya, not just for Africa, but for the world. 
"Peter, you chose to teach in a remote part of Kenya. You chose to transform life in such situations - a choice that I'm sure was difficult. You give me faith that Africa's best days are ahead of us and your story will light the way for all future generations," Kenyatta said.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com