A Kenyan teacher has received a rapturous welcome home after being presented with the Global Teacher of the Year [1] award by the Oscar winning actor, Hugh Jackman, at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Peter Tabicchi is a Franciscan brother [2] whose religious community was founded by Irish missionaries from Mountbellew Agricultural College, Galway [3], in 1976.
He teaches Maths and Physics and sustainable agricultural practices in a community ravaged by war and poverty in the Rift Valley of Kenya.
Despite natural disadvantages, his students have won national and international prizes for their science projects.
He said the award is a testament to his students who, he believes, have the potential to solve many of Africa’s problems.
Brother Tabicchi used to spend 80% of his salary on making sure his students could attend school. He has pledged to give the entire one million prize money for winning the award to help local community development.