DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) An Indian teacher and activist, Rouble Nagi, gained international recognition after winning the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize on Thursday. The award ceremony took place at the World Government Summit in Dubai, a key event attracting leaders from around the globe.
Rouble Nagi is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which has successfully set up over 800 learning centers across India. These centers are dedicated to providing structured learning for children who have never attended school, while also offering support to those already enrolled in educational institutions. In addition to her work with learning centers, Nagi is known for painting educational murals that cover various subjects, including literacy, science, math, and history.
During her acceptance speech, Nagi expressed her gratitude, stating that the award serves as an honor not only for herself but also for India. She reflected on her journey, which began 24 years ago with just 30 children in a small workshop and has since impacted over a million children. "Every step has motivated me to take every child in India to school," she remarked, sharing that it had been her dream since childhood to see every child receive an education.
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, which was established by Sunny Varkey, the founder of GEMS Education. This organization operates numerous schools in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. Varkey commended Nagi, stating, "Rouble Nagi represents the very best of what teaching can be courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential." He emphasized that her work not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families and communities.
Nagi announced her intention to use the $1 million prize to establish an institute that will provide free vocational training. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, highlighted the significance of Nagi's achievement, noting that it reinforces the notion that "teachers matter." Giannini added that Nagi, with her determination and belief in her students, exemplifies the profound impact a teacher can have in changing lives.
Rouble Nagi is the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize, which has been awarded annually since its inception in 2015. Other past winners include a Kenyan teacher from a remote village who dedicated much of his earnings to the poor, a Palestinian teacher focused on promoting non-violence, and a Canadian educator who worked with Inuit students in a remote Arctic village. The previous year's award was given to Saudi educator Mansour al-Mansour, celebrated for his efforts to support underprivileged communities in Saudi Arabia.
GEMS Education, also known as Global Education Management Systems, ranks among the largest private school operators worldwide. Its success is closely tied to the rapid development of Dubai, where only private institutions currently offer educational services to the children of expatriates who serve critical roles in the local economy.
