“This victory is not mine, it shows the achievements of my students…”
Our teachers often complain about low salaries and difficult working conditions. But their suffering is nothing compared to what teachers have to endure in some African schools.
Since 2015, an annual competition for the title of the best teacher has been held in the world. The winner receives an award of $1 million.
In 2019, the Kenyan science teacher, Franciscan monk Peter Tabichi won. The award ceremony was held in Dubai, and the name of the winner was announced by Australian actor Hugh Jackman.
Peter works as a teacher in a poor village. Despite the fact that many of his students do not have the most necessary things, they often win international competitions. This is what the judges paid attention to in the first place.
Tabichi said that his school is sorely lacking teachers. Classes here are usually up to seventy people, and many students have to walk to school for several kilometers.
The best teacher in the world gives part of his salary to needy students for uniforms and textbooks.
Tabichi said that 7 years ago he worked at a private school, but decided to quit and take the rank of a Franciscan monk. Monasticism helps one’s friend, so teaching in a poor school is a kind of charity.
Tabichi stated:
“This victory is not mine, it shows the achievements of my students. I am here only because of the success of these young minds. This award gives them a chance and hope that everything is possible.”
Tabichi visits dysfunctional families and convinces parents who are going to marry off their young daughters to give them the opportunity to graduate from school.
When asked what he was going to spend the money on, he replied that he wanted to provide the school with computer resources. Also, part of the money will be spent on the equipment of a scientific laboratory.
Tabichi is going to teach children how to grow crops that are resistant to drought, because this is very important for Kenya.
The award is not given immediately. For 10 years, Tabichi will receive $ 100 thousand each, but only on condition that he will work as a teacher for at least 5 more years.
Did you have decent teachers at school?
