President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated teacher Peter Mokaya Tabichi for winning this year’s Global Teacher Prize. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Friday 29th March, 2019, when he hosted the World’s top teacher, the head of State said the win will uplift the teaching profession in the country. President Kenyatta said by winning the global award, the Kenyan teacher has demonstrated that commitment and integrity pays off.
“You have brought honour and pride to the people of Kenya and your win will raise the profile of the teaching profession,” said the President.
President Kenyatta said teacher Tabichi is a role model and an inspiration to society especially to fellow teachers and students. Peter Tabichi who was declared the recipient of the 2019 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize on Sunday 24th March, 2019, in Dubai, is a mathematics and physics teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani village, Nakuru County.
The award comes with a US$1 million prize, which is equivalent to Shs 100 million. The money will be paid in batches over a period of 10 years. “This is just the beginning, you have become an inspiration and mentor to your colleagues so that they can also aspire to greatness,” said the President.
President Uhuru commended teacher Tabichi’s commitment and devotion to the work of educating the youth saying Kenyans should aspire to emulate virtues and qualities demonstrated by teacher Tabichi. “Peter embodies the spirit and qualities that every Kenyan should aspire to,” said the Head of State.
GOODIES FOR TEACHER PETER’s SCHOOL
The President committed to donate Shs 20 million to Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School for the expansion of infrastructure and to encourage students to undertake science subjects.
During the award ceremony in Dubai, teacher Tabichi received glowing tributes from all over the world, with the founder of the prize, Sunny Varkey, expressing hope that Tabichi’s story, “will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and shine a powerful spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over Kenya and throughout the world every day.”
At State House Nairobi, Tabichi was accompanied by Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Dr Amina Mohammed, his family members led by his father Lawrence Tabichi and officials of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize.
Mr. Tabichi, 36, was crowned the winner of this year’s Global Teacher Prize Award; becoming the first ever African to win the coveted prize. He was awarded for dedicating his life to helping others. He gives 80% of his teaching salary to local community projects.
TSC CONGRATULATES PETER
Meanwhile, the employer has commended teacher Peter for his exemplary work. In a paid up advert, the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, through its boss Dr Nancy Macharia pours praises on the world’s best teacher for making the country proud.
Here is the congratulatory message from the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nancy Macharia:
“CONGRATULATIONS TEACHER TABICH FOR WINNING THE 2019 GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE
On behalf of the Teachers Service Commission I wish to congratulate Peter Tabichi Mokaya for emerging the best teacher in the world by scooping the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. I am proud that Tabichi, a teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Nakuru is the first African to win this prize.
Tabichi was crowned the winner for using his profession to impact the lives of his learners and the community. A strict adherent of the Teachers Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD), Tabichi, integrates Information Communication Technology in his teaching. Indeed, it is this innovativeness that saw Keriko Secondary School emerge the best public school nationally in the 2018 edition of the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair.
On learner protection and safety as envisaged in the Appraisal, he runs a club that addresses issues that affect students’ social wellbeing.
Further, he collaborates with parents, guardians and stakeholders by training the local community on environmental conservation, income generating projects and the need for peaceful coexistence.
Let me also take this opportunity to appreciate the Varkey Foundation for choosing to support the Teaching profession. This is a great boost to the profession that plays a great role in the society as social transformers.
Tabichi is our champion from whom we draw inspiration to enrich the profession.
In conclusion, I wish to assure all teachers, the Commission will always recognise exemplary performance of teachers who improve learning outcomes of learners and make a positive impact in society.
Hongera Mwalimu Tabichi. (Congratulations teacher Tabichi)”
DR NANCY NJERI MACHARIA, CBS SECRETARY/CEO TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
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