The Kenyan teacher who gives his salary to the poor | Peter Tabichi | Global Teacher Prize

Will education change in the future? With less than a decade to achieve the UN’s SDG4 target of every child in free, quality education by 2030, it has to. Sub-Saharan Africa, with the world’s lowest school attendance and highest barriers to girls’ education, is where the change will begin. Global Teacher Prize 2019 winner Peter Tabichi is, in his own way, leading the charge. An international phenomenon; his inspiring words, generous attitude and altruistic lifestyle winning hearts globally and earning him invitations to meet with world leaders, from the White House to Vatican City. His pathway to being named one of 2019’s most influential Africans began in Nukuru, Kenya. Today, local cars and shops are adorned with stickers supporting his work - their pride to share their home with the “World’s best teacher” palpable. A year ago, he was a teacher like any other at Keriko Secondary School, teaching science in one of the most challenging areas in the world. Almost all of his students come from poor families, and many walk miles just to get to school every day, a disadvantage that hasn’t held Peter back from dedicating himself to bringing them into the community through practical work that doesn’t just focus on the textbooks, but on the lives ahead of them. “As a teacher working on the front line I have seen the promise of its young people - their curiosity, talent, their intelligence, their belief. Africa’s young people will no longer be held back by low expectations.” Passion and humility aside, another of Peter’s qualities has been noted by observers globally - a Franciscan brother, he donates 80% of his monthly income to help the poor, and leads a minimal and communal life among his fellow devout. Around the world, teachers benefits from very little - it’s often an underpaid job, and one that doesn’t get a lot of respect from students, parents and outsiders. Tabichi has shown that teachers can change lives and make a difference without the attention educating deserves. Together, we are strongest when we stand united, and loudest when we speak together. By talking about education, you can help ensure the world doesn’t forget the United Nation’s sustainable development goal promising every child a good education by 2030. Watch, subscribe, start talking education - it matters. #TeachersMatter ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨