We exchanged prayer requests with Pope, says teacher Tabichi
Rome, Thursday
Peter Tabichi, a Kenyan science teacher who won the 2019 world’s best teacher prize, has spoken of his awe for Pope Francis’ humility after the two met in the Vatican.
Brother Peter, a member of the Franciscan religious order, spoke on Wednesday after a meeting with the head of the Roman Catholic Church at the latter’s residence in Rome.
Tabichi won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize and was praised for his achievements in a deprived school where there are crowded classes and few text books.
He gives away 80 per cent of his pay to support pupils at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School, where he teaches.
On Wednesday, he tweeted photos of his meeting with Pope Francis.
He said he exchanged prayer requests with the pontiff, telling him: “Pray for us and all the teachers.”
“Was inspired by the great humility of the @Pontifex. During the meeting at Santa Marta in Rome he told me: “Pray for me, brother!”.
I too replied: “Pray for us and all the teachers”. May the new year be filled with new hope, new joy and new beginnings.”
Tabichi emerged the overall winner of the prize, which earned him Sh100 million.
The award, courtesy of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, rewards teachers for being real champions of change and inspiring millions of learners across the globe.
Besides inspiring his students to succeed with few resources and equipment, Tabichi, who teaches chemistry and mathematics, was recognised for giving away 80 per cent of his monthly salary to help the poor. - BBC
