Peter Tabichi's classroom in rural Kenya had fewer resources than the private school where he had previously taught. That did not stop him from asking his students to take science seriously—or from taking their ambitions seriously himself.
At Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School, he taught mathematics and physics while helping families meet everyday needs. A World Bank interview recorded that he gave away 80 percent of his income to support people facing poverty.
He encouraged students to enter science competitions despite limited equipment and internet access. Their achievements helped challenge the idea that a poorly equipped school could offer only small opportunities.
In 2019, Tabichi won the Global Teacher Prize. The award brought international attention, but the work behind it was close to home: helping young people stay in school, build confidence and discover what they could do.