Bro. Peter Mokaya Tabichi
Photo:UNIC Nairobi A Franciscan brother who teaches mathematics and physics in rural Kenya has been named Person of the Year by the United Nations in Kenya.
Bro. Peter Mokaya Tabichi, who teaches at Keriko Secondary School near Nakuru, was recognised for his work in promoting education for all young people.
He received the award during United Nations Day celebrations in Nairobi last month.
During the UN recognition, Bro. Tabichi said that about six million girls of school age around the world – the majority of them in Africa – do not have the opportunity to attend classes.
“At the same time, 72 million children are in danger of missing education in Africa due to war, floods and other challenges,” he told the UN gathering.
“Today people continue to struggle even more than what I went through. The role of education should be to unlock the best in people and giving them the ability and skills to be able to relate and connect with others in the society,” he said.
The award was the second honour for Bro. Tabichi this year. In March, he received the Global Teacher of the Year Award from the London-based Varkey Foundation.