The story of a teacher, from a remote African village, who was recognized as the Best Teacher in the world

When we talk about the teaching profession, most people use the word “vocation”. And when it comes to our children’s education, we all want an educator who can motivate and inspire the child, and who breaks all obstacles in the art of educating.

The Varkey Foundation, a charity for education founded by entrepreneur Sunny Varkey in 2015, whose trustee is Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, promotes the annual Best Teacher in the World awards as a result of the Global Teacher Prize competition (World Teacher Prize, in free translation).

O awesome.club sought to learn more about who was the winner of the prize of 1 million dollars (approximately 4 million reais) in 2019 from the competition that accumulated 10,000 applications from candidates from 179 countries.

The contest gathered finalists from India, Australia, United States, Netherlands, Brazil, Japan, Argentina, Kenya, United Kingdom and Georgia.

The winner was the professor of physics and mathematics and member of the Franciscan religious order, Peter Tabichi. The ceremony was held in Dubai, and the name of the winner was announced by actor Hugh Jackman.

Peter teaches in a small African village, where the reality of the inhabitants is very precarious. Surprisingly, his students are known for their victories in international scientific competitions, and this fact mainly attracted the attention of the judges.

However, the school’s infrastructure is of poor quality. There is only one teacher for 58 students, one computer is available to students, and many children have to travel long distances to get to class. Most of Tabichi’s students are children from poor families, orphans or who have lost a parent. The school has almost meager funding, so Peter gives 80% of his salary to maintaining the school’s supplies — school uniforms, textbooks and textbooks.

7 years ago, he taught at a private school and decided to become a Franciscan monk, which is why he gave up the profession. But the code of the Franciscan Order implies asceticism, that is, helping others. Therefore, teaching in a school for needy children became a kind of charity, and Peter was able to remain a clergyman.

“This victory is not a recognition for me, but for the young people of this great continent. The Global Teacher Prize tells them they can achieve anything.”🇧🇷

Peter says he uses different methods to motivate students because the key to success is self-confidence. Everyone can find a vocation to their liking if they feel confident. Peter teaches children to look at things from different angles. And that’s why various types of projects are popular at school, where students can independently organize the whole process and analyze the result.

The teacher does not divide these projects into “cool” and “non-cool”: the main thing is fantasy and independent decision-making. “Creativity is very important, especially in difficult situations and in environments with limited resources”🇧🇷 says Peter.

There are science and creativity clubs at school, and everyone expresses themselves where they see fit.

“Watching my students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence is my greatest joy in teaching. When they become functional, creative and productive in society, I am absolutely satisfied because I managed to become an incentive and a fundamental piece that allows them to open their potential in the most exciting way possible”🇧🇷

Peter also managed to address tolerance issues: he created the “Peace Club”, where he brought together representatives of 7 tribes with people of different religions, who attend his school.

And what did the Best Teacher in the world answer about the question that interested everyone: how will he spend his prize?

In the first place, with technological resources, construction of scientific laboratories and new projects that can benefit people. For example, Peter wants to teach students how to grow drought resistant crops, and this project is vital for Africa.

Interestingly, the winner has certain responsibilities under the terms of the fund, and the $1 million prize is not paid immediately.

Annually for 10 years, the winner receives 100 thousand dollars (approximately 400 thousand reais), and must remain in the profession for 5 years and be a global ambassador for The Varkey Foundation – to participate in events, communicate with the press and undergo training .

We admire these people from the bottom of our hearts: their stories are a clear illustration of what is called “life purpose”. What do you think of the contest and its winner? Comment!