DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rouble Nagi, an Indian teacher and activist, has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her significant contributions to education. Known for establishing hundreds of learning centers and creating educational murals across the walls of slums, Nagi accepted the award at the World Government Summit held in Dubai on Thursday. This annual summit attracts global leaders and provides a platform to highlight important initiatives in education and other crucial sectors.
Nagi is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which has created over 800 learning centers throughout India. These centers aim to provide structured learning for children who have never attended school while also supporting those already in the educational system. Her work is focused on making education accessible to marginalized communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow.
In addition to establishing learning centers, Rouble Nagi is recognized for her vibrant murals that teach various subjects including literacy, science, math, and history. These murals not only beautify the environment but also serve as interactive educational resources for children in underserved areas, transforming community spaces into hubs of learning.
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded annually by the Varkey Foundation, which was founded by Sunny Varkey, a prominent figure in global education. Varkey is also the founder of GEMS Education, a for-profit organization that operates numerous schools across several countries including Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who have made a lasting impact on their communities and serves to promote the profession of teaching globally.
Nagi has expressed her intention to utilize the $1 million prize to establish an institute that will offer free vocational training. This new initiative aims to empower young individuals by equipping them with practical skills that enhance their employability and contribute to their communities’ economic development.
This year, Nagi becomes the 10th recipient of the Global Teacher Prize since its inception in 2015. Previous winners have demonstrated remarkable commitment to education in various contexts. Among them were a dedicated Kenyan teacher from a remote village, a Palestinian primary school teacher known for teaching non-violence, and a Canadian educator who worked with Inuit students in a remote Arctic village. The winner from the previous year was Saudi educator Mansour al-Mansour, recognized for his efforts to support impoverished communities in Saudi Arabia.
GEMS Education is one of the largest private school operators globally and is considered a multi-billion dollar enterprise. Its growth has paralleled that of Dubai, which has established itself as a hub for education, particularly for the children of expatriates who contribute to its robust economy. In Dubai, private schools are the primary educational institutions available, facilitating a unique landscape for educational development.
