Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2019 Issue 5 Volume 6 | Page 30

Featured Teacher PETER TABICHI- A GLOBAL EXAMPLE OF THE POWER OF SELFLESSNESS AND SERVICE TO EDUCATION BY LEISA GRACE WILSON O n Sunday March 24th, I entered the ballroom at the Atlantis The Palm Dubai, along with what seemed like thousands of other educators and well-wishers, to witness the award ceremony of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. This year, as with previous years, I spent time learning about the finalists and becoming familiar with their work, so my level of excitement was quite high, as I felt a personal connection with all the finalists. As we sat there watching Hugh Jackman deliver a spectacular performance, I could not help but think of how nervous and anxious all the ten finalists on the stage were feeling. It was finally time to announce the winner and the room fell silent. As fate would have it, I was sitting just in front of Peter’s father and other members of his family. As soon as his name was announced, the entire section where we sat erupted in shouts, screams, tears and lots of applause. The entire ballroom joined in. Peter took the mic to say thank you and as a mark of true respect and appreciation, he invited his father to join him on stage. This was such a memorable moment in the ceremony. Peter Tabichi is a Maths and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Nakuru Kenya. Peter who is a Franciscan Brother, has dedicated his life to service. Peter serves the poor and needy in his community in more ways than one. He educates and empowers not only his students, but also members of his community by teaching them sustainable farming techniques. Peter gives away 80% of his 30 | May - Jun 2019 | | Class Time