In 2015, businessman Sunny Varkey created a charity foundation that became the sponsor of the Global Teacher Prize. The prize amounts to $1 million and is awarded to the best teacher in the world. In 2019, this prestigious title and the huge prize were awarded to physics and mathematics teacher, Franciscan monk Peter Tabichi from Kenya. The award ceremony took place in Dubai, and the winner was announced by actor Hugh Jackman.

More than 10,000 applications from 179 countries worldwide were submitted for the competition. Finalists included teachers from India, Australia, the USA, Kenya, the Netherlands, Brazil, Japan, Argentina, the UK, and Georgia.

Amazingly, the victory went to a small, remote African village. This school doesn’t even have the basics, but teacher Peter Tabichi gives his all to his students. Students from this poor school win at international science competitions. In this school, there is one teacher for 58 children, one computer, and no school bus. Every day, children walk several kilometers to attend classes, even during the rainy season.

Previously, Peter Tabichi worked at a private school, but then he became a Franciscan monk and left his job. He decided to bring knowledge to children in need and came to the poorest school.

He gives himself entirely to his work, motivating and inspiring the children. He teaches students to look at things from different perspectives, encouraging them to find their passions and favorite subjects. The school has many projects that students organized and brought to life. The teacher taught the children to be active, creative, and independent. He created several science and creative clubs at the school. The teacher also created a «Peace Club,» which includes children of different nationalities and faiths, teaching them about tolerance and understanding.

Peter Tabichi is very happy about the award. He plans to buy computers for the school, set up a science laboratory, and help implement his students’ scientific projects. He is a true teacher. This is not just his job—it’s his calling!