An inspirational Indian teacher and activist, celebrated for establishing hundreds of learning centres and painting educational murals across slum communities, has been honoured with the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
A Monumental Achievement in Education
Rouble Nagi received the esteemed award during a ceremony at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday. This annual event attracts leaders and policymakers from around the world, providing a global stage for recognising educational excellence.
Transforming Lives Through Learning
Through her Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, Nagi has successfully created more than 800 learning centres throughout India. These centres serve a dual purpose: introducing structured education to children who have never attended formal schools, while also providing supplementary learning for those already enrolled in the education system.
Her innovative approach extends beyond traditional classroom settings. Nagi paints vibrant educational murals on the walls of slum areas, transforming public spaces into learning environments. These murals cover essential subjects including literacy, science, mathematics, and history, making education accessible and engaging for marginalised communities.
The Prize and Its Legacy
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, established by Sunny Varkey, who also founded the for-profit GEMS Education company. GEMS operates numerous schools across Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, representing one of the world's largest private school operators with an estimated value in the billions.
Nagi becomes the tenth educator to receive this honour since the prize's inception in 2015. Previous recipients include remarkable teachers from diverse backgrounds: a Kenyan educator from a remote village who donated most of his earnings to support the poor, a Palestinian primary school teacher focusing on non-violence education, and a Canadian teacher working with Inuit students in a remote Arctic community. Last year's winner was Saudi educator Mansour al-Mansour, recognised for his work with impoverished communities within the kingdom.
Future Plans for the Prize Money
Nagi has announced plans to utilise the $1 million prize money to establish an institute offering free vocational training. This initiative aims to provide practical skills and employment opportunities, further extending her foundation's impact on educational and economic development in underserved regions.
The success of organisations like GEMS Education reflects broader educational trends in regions like Dubai, where private schools predominantly serve the children of foreign workers who contribute significantly to the local economy. This context highlights the global importance of educational innovation and accessibility, principles that Nagi's work embodies through her extensive network of learning centres and community-focused educational art.
