Peter Tabichi from Kenya wins Global Teacher Prize worth US$1 Million

Dubai 25 March 2019: Peter Tabichi, a Maths and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School, Pwani Village, Nakuru, Kenya, has been named as the winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2019, awarded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

The glittering award ceremony was hosted by actor, singer, and producer Hugh Jackman, who performed songs from the musical film The Greatest Showman, including The Greatest Show and Come Alive, before announcing the winner.

On winning the prize, Peter Tabichi said:

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 continents 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.

As a teacher working on the front line I have seen the promise of its young people their curiosity, talent, their intelligence, their belief. Africas 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 Africas 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.

Its morning in Africa. The skies are clear. The day is young and there is a blank page waiting to be written. This is Africas time.

In a special congratulatory video message broadcast into the ceremony hall, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, said:

Mr Peter Tabichi on behalf of all Kenyans let me congratulate you for winning the Global Teacher Prize 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 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 together to give them the right support. You give me faith that Africas best days are ahead of us and your story will light the way for future generations.

Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said:

Everyday in classrooms throughout the world teachers light the spark of curiosity. I want to congratulate Peter Tabichi for winning the Global Teacher Prize 2019. I hope Peters story will encourage others to enter the teaching profession and shine a spotlight on the truly inspiring work teachers do to make tomorrow brighter than today.

Now in its fifth year, the US $1 million award is the largest prize of its kind, and was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.