A headteacher who survived child marriage has emerged as a finalist for a global teacher prize from the Varkey Foundation,organised in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
Tionge Mtambo of Tondola Primary School in Chitipa has made the top 10 for the ninth Gems Education Global Teacher Prize, beating over 5 000 nominees from 89 countries.
The $1 million prize was set up to recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession.
It also shines a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.
“By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes who have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world,” says Varkey Foundation in a statement.
Since its launch, the global teacher prize has received over 100 000 applications and nominations.
However, Mtambo, who survived child marriage, has embarked on a powerful mission to uplift education and empower vulnerable children.
Since she started teaching in 2017, she has confronted common challenges such as child marriage, poverty and gender inequality with unwavering determination.
“Through her innovative initiatives, including school feeding programmes, girls’ hostels, and literacy-boosting spelling bees, the rural teacher has created safe learning environments for over 15000 girls,” the citation reads.
Her leadership contributes to improved education outcomes in the border district, propelling it to national recognition.
She was named Malawi’s best teacher of the year in 2022.
Mtambo’s relentless efforts inspire hope and transformation in her community, personifying the profound impact of dedicated educators worldwide.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the teacher award, said: “The Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time—from combating climate change to reducing inequality and navigating technological change. Congratulations to Tionge, who is joining a global community of educators leading the way to build a better future.”
The foundation believes that every child deserves a vibrant, stimulating learning environment that awakens and supports their full potential.
Stefania Giannini, from Unesco, said the UN education and science agency is proud to support the global prize, which honours the dedication and impact of teachers worldwide.
“In a time of global teacher shortages, challenging conditions and technological advances, recognising and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies,” she said.
Gems Education chief education officer Lisa Crausby said it is pleasing to see first-hand the transformative impact that teachers have on the lives of young people worldwide.
“Every day, they inspire, uplift and nurture the minds of future generations. We are deeply honoured to partner with the Global Teacher Prize, a remarkable initiative that recognises the dedication, passion and resilience of teachers everywhere who are working tirelessly to build a brighter, more hopeful world.”
GEMS Education manages a network of schools that reach over 13 000 students globally.
It believes in delivering a consistent, dynamic, high-quality education for every child—and teachers play a vital role.
The prize is open to working teachers who teach children who are in compulsory schooling or are aged five to 18.
Teachers who educate children aged four and above in government-recognised curriculum are also eligible.
However, eligible teachers must clock at least 10 hours per week teaching and plan to remain in the profession for the next five years.
The award assesses their teaching practices, innovations to address local challenges, demonstrable learning outcomes and impact in the community beyond the classroom.
It celebrates their remarkable contribution to helping children become global citizens and improving the teaching profession.
The winner will be announced by the Global Teacher Prize Academy at the World Governments Summit slated for February 11 to 13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
