80 % of Salary Donated Monthly Returns as a 1 Million Dollar Prize!

Educators, school owners, and governments all around the world are striving in this 21st century to implement the highest technologies in education as a sensible way to compete globally and reach outstanding academic results and financial gains - both are indisputably important for any educational institution to stay committed to its vision and mission.

But when a mathematics and science teacher from a remote, poor village in Kenya was selected from more than 5000 nominees and more than 120 countries, a bold reason for this tremendous win emerges.

Peter Tabichi is a 36 year old teacher, who after witnessing the severe economical, social and health conditions in his country and mainly his village, in which students have to walk 7 km to their school daily, are most orphans or single-parented, cannot afford school fees, decides to take tough action, donating 80 % of his monthly salary to his students!

Tabichi could not disregard what he had seen. It was much more than curriculum, instruction and assessment. It was a human approach from an adult towards those young children, whom he visited at home and tutored. He helped children realize their potential and with only one computer in the school, and no educational resources, he innovated ways so he could reach all students. His students gained self-esteem as they qualified for national mathematics and science competitions.

Tabichi did what all teachers do - enhancing pedagogical practices and using resources to generate better learning outcomes, not only within the school, but also within the community and the nation. However, his endeavor was special and remarkable! Giving away 80 % of a salary is not something easily done by anybody, especially in harsh economic conditions. He not only gave away his money, but also endured observing those sad daily experiences of lack, inequity, and suffering. The most important is that he did not stand still - He took action!

On March 23, 2019 and after receiving the Global Teacher Award, known also as Nobel Prize for teaching, Tabichi told a news agency:"I cannot believe it. This is a tremendous motivation for all teachers in Kenya, Africa and the rest of the world, it shows that teaching is the best profession and I will continue to make changes through my teaching."

Peter Tabichi is a great example of what a teacher, despite challenges and lack, can do - it does not have to relate to money, but the wisdom in making tough decisions and exerting demanding efforts can be of a great tangible impact. Congratulations Peter Tabichi and Congratulations Kenya!