Prime Highlights:
- Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her efforts to bring education to underprivileged children across India.
- Her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation has set up over 800 learning centers and uses educational murals to teach literacy, math, science, and history in marginalized communities.
Key Facts:
- Nagi plans to use the prize money to build an institute offering free vocational training for children and youth.
- She is the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize, joining past winners from Kenya, Palestine, Canada, and Saudi Arabia who have all worked to support students in need.
Background:
Indian educator Rouble Nagi has been awarded the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her decades-long efforts to help disadvantaged children in India access education.
The award was presented on Thursday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, a global forum that brings together heads of state, policymakers, and innovators. The Global Teacher Prize honors educators whose work has created meaningful social impact.
While accepting the honor, Nagi called it a moment of pride not only for herself, but for India as a whole. She spoke about her journey, which began 24 years ago when she started teaching just 30 children in a small workshop.
“Each step strengthened my determination to ensure every child in India has access to schooling,” she said. “As a child, I dreamed of seeing every child in a classroom. Reaching more than a million children today is both humbling and deeply emotional.”
The Global Teacher Prize is presented by the Varkey Foundation, established by education philanthropist Sunny Varkey, who also founded GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest private education networks.
“Rouble Nagi embodies the highest ideals of the teaching profession, bravery, innovation, compassion, and an unshakable belief in children,” Varkey said in a statement. “Her work in marginalized communities has transformed lives, families, and entire neighborhoods.”
Nagi revealed that she intends to invest the $1 million prize into creating an institute that will provide free vocational training, helping young people develop job-ready skills and improve their employment prospects.
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, said the award underscores the vital influence teachers have on society.
“This recognition reinforces a fundamental truth: teachers change lives,” Giannini said. “Through dedication, perseverance, and faith in learners, educators like Rouble Nagi open doors that can reshape a child’s future.”
Nagi is the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize since its launch in 2015.
The 2024 prize went to Saudi teacher Mansour Al-Mansour for his work with disadvantaged students.
