This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
On January 8, 2020, Peter Tabichi, the Kenyan and world's best teacher in 2019, met with Pope Francis at the latter's residence in Rome, Italy.
Tabichi, a teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru County, was awed by the humility displayed by Pope Francis during their meeting.
"I was inspired by the great humility of the Pope," Tabichi later shared on Twitter.
During their meeting at the Vatican's Santa Marta residence in Rome, Pope Francis told Tabichi, "Pray for me, brother!" Tabichi replied, "Pray for us and all the teachers." He wished the new year to be filled with new hope, new joy, and new beginnings.
Tabichi's meeting with Pope Francis came after he emerged the overall winner of the Global Teacher Prize in 2019, earning him Sh100 million. The award, courtesy of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, recognizes teachers who are real champions of change and inspire millions of learners globally.
Tabichi was recognized not only for his exceptional teaching skills but also for giving away 80 percent of his monthly salary to help the poor.
