In a heartwarming and inspirational tale that’s capturing the world’s attention, Kenyan teacher Millicent Cassianes has earned a coveted nomination for the 2023 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, a prestigious accolade that comes with a staggering Sh148,500,000 ($1 million) reward.
Millicent’s remarkable journey from a small village in Kenya to becoming one of the top 50 contenders for this esteemed prize is nothing short of extraordinary.
Millicent’s selection for this global recognition was no easy feat.
She outshone over 7,000 nominees and applicants from more than 130 countries worldwide.
Her dedication to the cause of special needs education and her unwavering commitment to her students have set her apart in a sea of exceptional educators.
Currently, Millicent serves as a teacher at the BL Tezza Special School for the Deaf in Karunga, Kenya.
Her passion for special education was ignited when she encountered students with severe hearing loss and infections at an orphanage.
This encounter moved her deeply, inspiring her to pursue hospital training to better care for those with special support needs.
She also embarked on a journey to learn Kenyan Sign Language, a crucial skill in her line of work.
With determination and a heart full of compassion, Millicent took it upon herself to make a significant impact.
She didn’t stop at just teaching; she made it her mission to provide a suitable environment for her students.
To finance the construction of the BL Tezza Special School for the Deaf, she not only secured donations from various organizations, including the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya but also took out a bank loan.
Today, the school is a safe haven for over 120 hearing-impaired students, offering a competency-based curriculum tailored to their unique needs.
The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize in Teaching,” is now in its eighth year, attracting tens of thousands of entries and nominations from all corners of the globe.
It serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the profound impact teachers can have on their students and society as a whole.
The competition is far from over. Millicent Cassianes’s journey will now take her to the next stage, where the top ten finalists will be revealed later this year.
The winner will be chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, a distinguished panel of individuals dedicated to recognizing and celebrating exceptional educators worldwide.
This nomination is particularly significant for Kenya, as it follows the triumph of another Kenyan teacher, Peter Tabichi, who clinched the Global Teacher Prize in 2019.
Tabichi, a mathematics and physics teacher, leveraged his platform to advocate for STEM education among African youth, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape.
Regardless of the outcome, Millicent Cassianes’s story is poised to inspire educators around the world.
Her dedication to her students and her tireless efforts to provide them with a brighter future are a testament to the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the destiny of young minds.
The Global Teacher Prize is a collaborative effort between the Varkey Foundation, UNESCO, and Dubai Cares, a global philanthropic organization based in the United Arab Emirates.
As Millicent’s journey continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of teachers to change lives.
Stay tuned as we eagerly await the announcement of the top ten finalists, each one a shining star in the constellation of global educators.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
