Kenyan educationist Peter Tabichi has added another international accolade to his growing list of achievements after winning a prestigious Global Educator Award in Malaysia.
The science icon received the award on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur.
The award comes with a research grant worth approximately US$5,000.
The awards ceremony was held Thursday at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjong Malim, Malaysia.
It was attended by several senior government officials, including Malaysia's Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The awards were presented by Tuanku Zara Salim, the Raja Permaisuri of Perak and Chancellor of the university.
The award, presented by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), recognised his contribution to community outreach and the advancement of education.
For Tabichi, the latest recognition adds to his growing international reputation following his historic 2019 victory in the Global Teacher Prize, when he became the first African recipient of the prestigious US$1 million award.
At the time, he was teaching mathematics and physics at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru County, where he gained international recognition for his commitment to disadvantaged learners, despite working with limited teaching resources.
His latest honour in Malaysia further places him among educators whose contribution to society extends beyond conventional classroom instruction.
Speaking to KahawaTungu by phone shortly after arriving from Malaysia, Tabichi described the selection process for the award as rigorous and highly competitive, attracting more than 450 applications from educators and scholars across the world.
The selection panel eventually shortlisted 26 finalists across different award categories, inviting them to Malaysia for face-to-face interviews and presentations to defend their submissions.
He said the process went beyond examining applicants' professional qualifications and achievements, with the panel keen to establish whether their work had made a consistent impact.
"The panel was not only keen on just quality but consistency as well," said Tabichi.
The competition brought together exceptional teachers and professors from different academic disciplines, making the recognition particularly meaningful.
"Majority of the applicants were exceptional teachers, while others were professors from various academic spheres. It was therefore quite competitive," he said.
For Tabichi, the award represents more than personal recognition. He said it was an affirmation that the work educators undertake, often away from the public spotlight, does not go unnoticed.
"It was wonderful being picked out and getting recognised for exceptional work. I felt that there are people out there who are appreciative of what we are doing in silence," he said.
Expressing his excitement over the international recognition, Tabichi said the award had reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of education and the influence teachers have beyond the classroom.
"I am happy and profoundly humbled. This award has reaffirmed my belief that a teacher's influence goes far beyond the four walls of a classroom. When we invest in learners, we invest in the future of the world," he said.
He described the US$5,000 research grant as an important opportunity to expand his work, explore new ideas and develop solutions that could benefit both learners and educators.
"The research grant is particularly encouraging because it will provide an opportunity to deepen our work, explore new ideas and develop solutions that can benefit learners and educators," he said.
Tabichi also dedicated the recognition to teachers working in challenging circumstances, saying their contribution to society deserved greater appreciation.
"I dedicate this recognition to teachers who wake up every day determined to make a difference. Sometimes our work goes unnoticed, but this award reminds us that our efforts matter," he said.
The educator said the recognition had strengthened his resolve to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world, where teachers must continuously adapt and share knowledge.
"Being a game changer in a fast-evolving world is great. It gives you the motivation to keep pushing boundaries and finding better ways of making a difference," he said.
He added that the award was not an end in itself but an incentive to pursue greater innovation and impact in the education sector.
"This is not the finish line. It is an encouragement to work harder, innovate more and continue using education as a powerful tool for changing society," he said.
Tabichi, who has since transitioned from classroom teaching to mentoring other educators, said he would use the experience to strengthen his engagement with young teachers.
Through the Peter Tabichi Foundation and Teacher Craft initiatives, he is focusing on supporting teachers, sharing practical experiences and nurturing the next generation of education leaders.
"I will focus more on sharing these insights with my mentees," he said.
The award, he said ,had also created opportunities for him to establish professional relationships with scholars and educationists from different parts of the world.
According to him, such interactions provide an important platform for exchanging ideas, learning new approaches and strengthening education beyond national boundaries.
"This is no mean achievement, not something I can take for granted," he said.
Tabichi first rose to international prominence in 2019 when he became the first African to win the prestigious US$1 million Global Teacher Prize.
A Franciscan Brother and trained science teacher, he earned global recognition for transforming learning at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru County, where he taught mathematics and physics.
Working in a school with limited resources, he inspired learners through innovative teaching, science projects and support for disadvantaged students.
He also championed the participation of girls in science and encouraged learners to use education to address challenges affecting their communities.
His latest recognition in Malaysia further cements his international standing and marks another milestone in his journey from a rural Kenyan classroom to the global education arena.
End
