In our very first #BeBetter Hero of the Month feature, where we highlight individuals who are the living embodiment of "becoming someone better than you ever thought possible”, we are starting off strong and bringing attention to the incredible story of Peter Tabichi, a Franciscan brother and teacher at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Kenya. In a part of the country where drought and famine are common, almost a third of children are orphans or have only one parent.
From a pool of 10,000 applicants, Tabichi won a $1 million prize on Sunday for his work teaching math and science in a government-run school that has just one computer and not so reliant internet access. The annual Global Teacher Prize was awarded to Peter Tabichi in a decadent ceremony held in Dubai that was hosted by actor Hugh Jackman.
“Seeing my students grow in confidence is my greatest joy.” - Brother Peter Tabichi
Along with four colleagues, Tabichi gives low-achieving learners one-on-one tutoring outside of normal class hours, even on weekends, where they visit students’ homes. To ensure their students have the best chances at success, they also meet with families to identify any challenges they may face in their learning.
But what’s most astounding about Tabichi is that he is known to give 80% of his salary to help students who come from poor families! As further proof of his humble roots; having never been on an airplane before flying to Dubai to receive the award, the farthest Tabichi had ever traveled was to Uganda roughly 540 miles away.
What Brother Tabichi plans to do with his winnings should be no surprise to anyone. He said the school he teaches at has no library and no laboratory and that he will use the award to improve the school and feed the poor.
It should go without saying that the way Brother Tabichi leads by example is almost unparalleled in today’s world. How many people do you know that are willing to make the kind of sacrifices he is making for the betterment of those around him? Sometimes all it takes is the sacrifice of just one individual to change the world for countless others and Brother Tabichi is a great example of that.
Have a #BeBetter Hero of the Month story that we should know about? Send us an email at adam@idoitforher.com with the subject: “#BeBetter Hero” and we’ll gladly take a look. Don’t forget to follow us on all things social (links at the bottom of the page or simply @idoitforher on Instagram or Facebook).