In the remote town of Pwani Village in Kenya’s famine-prone Rift Valley, Peter Tabichi stands as a beacon of hope for the young minds he mentors. Against the backdrop of poverty, hardship, and limited resources, Tabichi, a math and physics teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School, has not only transformed the lives of his students but also earned international recognition for his extraordinary efforts.
In 2019, Tabichi was awarded the prestigious US$1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, chosen from over 10,000 teachers across nearly 180 countries. The recognition shines a much-needed spotlight on the immense challenges faced by educators in under-resourced areas, as well as the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students’ futures.
A Difficult Environment to Thrive In
Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School, where Tabichi teaches, is situated in one of Kenya’s poorest regions. Approximately 95 percent of the students come from impoverished households, and many are orphans or come from single-parent homes. In an environment where delinquency and school dropouts are all too common, the school faces numerous challenges — including a lack of basic resources, such as computers and reliable internet access.
But despite these overwhelming odds, Tabichi has managed to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for his students. Through his dedication, he introduced a Talent Nurturing Club and expanded the existing Science Club, empowering students to explore their potential and cultivate their skills. This initiative led to a remarkable increase in student enrollment, with numbers doubling within just three years.
The Power of Science and Innovation
Under Tabichi’s guidance, the students of Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School have achieved remarkable feats in science and engineering. In 2018, they won first place in the public schools category at Kenya’s Science and Engineering Fair for creating an innovative device that helps blind and deaf individuals measure objects. This success not only put Keriko on the map but also fueled the students’ belief in their abilities to create change.
Further bolstering their scientific achievements, the students won an award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for a groundbreaking project that generates electricity from plants — a solution that could have significant implications for sustainable energy. As a result, Keriko’s students were able to qualify for the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, set to take place in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2019.
These accomplishments are particularly extraordinary considering the severe resource limitations at the school. The institution has just one computer, and internet access is intermittent. Yet, Tabichi’s mentorship and the students’ resilience have driven them to achieve far beyond what might be expected given the circumstances.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Students
For many of the children at Keriko, Tabichi’s efforts have been nothing short of life-changing. Many students come from households where food is scarce, and where issues like drug addiction, crime, teen pregnancies, and youth suicide are prevalent. Yet, thanks to Tabichi’s guidance, a new sense of possibility has emerged. The Talent Nurturing Club has given students the opportunity to develop a sense of purpose and ambition, instilling in them the belief that they can overcome their circumstances.
Tabichi’s influence has also played a key role in ensuring that more students continue their education beyond high school, with many now pursuing higher education and seeking opportunities that once seemed out of reach. His work has helped break the cycle of poverty and opened doors to a brighter future.
A Teacher with a Vision
Despite the recognition he has received, Peter Tabichi remains focused on his students and their future. For him, the award is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for all the students in his care. “I teach because I want to make a difference,” Tabichi said after receiving the Global Teacher Prize. “I want to show my students that no matter where they come from, they can achieve greatness.”
Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Tabichi is shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the incredible potential of teachers who are willing to go above and beyond for the students they serve.
Peter Tabichi’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to the resilience of both educators and students in the most challenging of circumstances, proving that with the right guidance and support, the sky is the limit.
