Past winners of Global Teacher Prize Awards

Peter Tabichi (pictured), a teacher at Keriko High School who emerged the overall winner of the Global Teacher Prize, bagging Sh100 million, has set tongues wagging.

But few know about the prize. Started in 2013, the Varkey Foundation, Global Teacher Prize rewards teachers for being real champions of change and inspiring millions of learners across the globe.

Mr Tabichi is the fifth recipient of the prestigious award.

Andria Zafirakou, an arts and textiles teacher at Alperton Community School in northwest London, England was declared the 2018 winner at a glitzy event.

The event was  graced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

A Canadian teacher Maggie MacDonnell scooped the 2017 award.

Ms MacDonnell was feted for continuing to teach despite the prevailing harsh conditions in the region which is nestled in the Canadian Arctic.

The school is found in an area with a population of just over 1,300 – it cannot be reached by road, only by air.

In winter temperatures are 25 Celsius.

Hanan Al Hroub from the Palestine was announced as the 2016 winner of the Global Teacher Prize award.

She grew up in the Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem, where she was regularly exposed to acts of violence, according to her profile.

Nancie Atwell from the United States was the inaugural recipient of the award in March 2015.  

Retired American President Bill Clinton was present at the Global Education and Skills Forum, perhaps showing how important the gala was.