Drawing inspiration from Global Teacher Prize Winner Peter Tabichi
This morning, Global Teacher Prize winner of 2019, Peter Tabichi visited the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, where he met members of the Provincial Cabinet.
Mr Tabichi is currently visiting Cape Town to attend a number of events around the City, including the World Economic Forum.
The Global Teacher Prize is a US $1 million award presented annually by global education charity the Varkey Foundation to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession. Peter Tabichi is the first African recipient of this prestigious prize.
Video: https://twitter.com/varkeyfdn/status/1109873356587843584
Premier Alan Winde welcomed Peter Tabichi to Cape Town and the Western Cape. “We are extremely honored to have you here with us today and thank you for making the African Continent proud.”
Provincial Minister Debbie Schafer sat down separately with Peter Tabichi and engaged in a discussion on e-learning and how he was able to bring ICT into the classroom in an area where connectivity is not always stable and resources are limited.
Mr Tabichi explained that there were a number of challenges. They did not have access to computers and his school only had one desktop computer. He said that it is not about those devices, but using what is available to make learning interesting.
When he could not get data on his cellphone, he would travel far to an internet café over the weekend and download resources or images which he would then use in a PowerPoint presentation or document.
Minister Schafer said, “It is evident that Mr Tabichi is a passionate, committed teacher whose primary interest is the learners. He is inspirational and I look forward to our teachers who he will be engaging with, drawing from that inspiration.”
Brian Schreuder, Head of Department in the Western Cape, said that Mr Tabichi was well known in the Western Cape.
”The Western Cape Education Department has drawn inspiration from the fact that Mr Tabichi has been successful and that he represents not only Kenya, but the whole African continent, in quality teaching for young kids, particularly in rural and poor environments.”
Mr Tabichi said that winning the prize does not only recognize his work, but the young people of this continent.
“They have the potential to transform the world”, he said, “Without the teachers we will not have young children that can succeed.”
Mr Tabichi recognized the fact that the African continent is facing many challenges but said quality education will address some of these challenges.
“There is great promise for Africa and I remain optimistic.”
The Western Cape Education Department is delighted to have this opportunity to be inspired and motivated by such a humble and optimistic educator. We are looking forward to the various engagements we will have with him over the next few days.
Enquiries:
Bronagh Hammond
Cell: 072 7241422
E-mail: Bronagh.hammond@westerncape.gov.za
