Malawi Teacher Among Top 10 for Million-Dollar Education Prize
If she wins the $1 million prize, she has a clear vision of how she will use the funds to further her work.
LILONGWE, Malawi—In a remarkable story of resilience, dedication, and transformative impact, a Malawian educator, Tionge Mtambo, has emerged as a beacon of hope, securing a place among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious GEMS Education 2025 USD 1 million Global Teacher Prize, writes Winston Mwale.
This recognition is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the potential of teachers in Malawi to shape the future of the young and address the complex challenges faced by their communities.
This educator's journey, marked by her own experience as a child marriage survivor, has propelled her to become an inspiring force for change, leaving an indelible mark on her students, fellow teachers, and the broader community.
Humble Beginnings, Extraordinary Impact
Mtambo's path to becoming a teacher was forged in the fires of personal adversity.
As a survivor of child marriage at the age of 14, she is passionately driven to ensure that no other girl endures the same fate.
Her decision to enter the teaching profession in 2017 was not just a career choice, but a conscious act of defiance against child marriage and a commitment to empowering young girls through education.
"My passion became a teacher because I had to defy child marriages, especially in my district," she explains.
"This inspired me to say, ‘Why can't I be a teacher and inspire young girls, work with community leaders, and work with NGOs so that maybe we should campaign against child marriage and this cult practice should end immediately?’".
This experience has allowed her to connect with her students on a deeper level.
"Since I became a teacher in 2017, I've inspired a lot of learners, a lot of girls, a lot of students. They have been inspired by my story as well as my background to say your current situation cannot define your future".
A Teacher's Philosophy: Centering the Learner
The educator’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in a learner-centred approach.
She believes in empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
"Normally when I'm in class, I use a learner-centred method where I believe that if you want learners to perform best in class, they have to be at the centre of teaching, like we should not be feeding them, but they have to learn on their own,” she says.
Her methods include project-based learning, critical thinking exercises, and group discussions.
In these settings, she acts not as a dispenser of information but as a facilitator, guiding students to discover knowledge for themselves.
"As a teacher, I'm just a facilitator; I just consolidate what the learners discover."
This approach, she explains, fosters deeper and more enduring learning.
"This learner-centred method is good because what learners learn—the knowledge, the skills, the values—they get. it's not easy for them to forget; they remember it for a lifetime,” she says.
Furthermore, her teaching is deeply contextualised, drawing connections between the students' lived realities and their classroom experiences.
This is achieved through a 'known to unknown' approach, which uses the students’ existing knowledge as a foundation for new learning.
"When I introduce the lesson, I know that learners already have some information away from home. So I normally teach from known to unknown," she states.
For example, in social studies, she might begin with local traditional dances, and then move to the traditional dances known worldwide.
This method ensures that education is not a foreign concept but something relatable and meaningful to the students, reinforcing the link between school and their community.
Overcoming Challenges in Resource-Scarce Environments
Teaching in a rural area of Malawi presents significant challenges, notably the shortage of resources. However, the educator has consistently demonstrated resourcefulness and a strong commitment to her students.
"In Malawi, a lot of schools, inclusive of those, there is a challenge of shortage of resources, and we have poor involvement; we don't have books," she admits.
To bridge these gaps, she has often sacrificed her salary and sought support from well-wishers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and school alumni.
This personal investment has not only provided crucial resources but has also set a powerful example for her students and fellow teachers.
"So I use my salary, and I ask well-wishers to support us. So it's working, and this has improved the standard because when I came to the school, you find that only one student was going to secondary school, but since I came, the numbers increased".
This innovative approach to resourcing has led to tangible improvements in student outcomes, including a remarkable increase in the number of students selected for secondary school.
Transformative Impact on Students and the Community
The educator's influence extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Her dedication has transformed the lives of numerous students, and one particular story highlights her impact.
She recounts the story of a student who was about to drop out of school from a child-headed household, but she took the young student in.
"So when I went, when I visited her home, I found that it's a child-headed family. So I picked her, and I started staying with her,” she says.
The student completed primary school, was selected to attend secondary school, and is now in her third year of secondary.
This story exemplifies the profound difference a caring and dedicated teacher can make in the life of a student and shows the educator's willingness to go above and beyond for her students.
The positive change she initiated has not gone unnoticed by other educators.
Her work has inspired other teachers to emulate her dedication and commitment.
"Other teachers have emulated what I do, like, if you come to find that teachers buy his or her stuff," she notes, adding that a spirit of sacrifice has developed among the teaching staff.
Teachers are no longer complaining about the lack of resources but instead use their own money to buy what they need for the classroom.
She further adds, "I've seen teachers supporting vulnerable students, which is stunning because if you have 10 teachers and each teacher supports one student, it means we bring impact to society."
This collaborative effort has created a supportive environment for students, reinforcing the idea that teachers play a social role in addressing the challenges faced by the community.
Innovation in Education
Innovation is a key aspect of Mtambo's work.
She has developed several projects to enhance the learning experience, one of the most notable being a spelling bee competition.
This initiative has boosted literacy and confidence among students.
"Over the years I've implemented a spelling bee as one of the ways of boosting literacy in my class," she explains.
"This spelling bee has inspired a lot of learners up to date because they gain confidence. They're able to speak in public. They're able to answer questions with confidence, simply because that training them to be who they are today".
The spelling bee has expanded, involving more than 7,000 students, with some participants reaching national and even international competitions in Uganda.
Balancing Demands and Pursuing Growth
Balancing the demands of teaching with personal life and professional development is not easy, but the educator demonstrates a mastery of time management.
She is currently pursuing further studies at the Catholic University while continuing to provide quality education to her students.
"Time management is one of the things that makes educators great in society," she says. She dedicates about 10 hours each day to school-related activities, with the remaining time used for personal pursuits.
This commitment ensures that she continues to improve her skills and knowledge while remaining accessible and supportive to her students and colleagues, even outside school hours.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As one of the top 10 finalists, this educator carries the hopes of her nation and the continent.
If she wins the $1 million prize, she has a clear vision of how she will use the funds to further her work.
Her plans include expanding existing initiatives such as hostels, feeding programs, and libraries.
She aims to make her school a model school, equipped with all the necessary resources for student success. She also wants to bring in programmes that will excite both teachers and learners.
Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact that one determined individual can have on a community.
As the global community awaits the announcement of the winner, the educator's story serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role teachers play in shaping the future.
"We're expecting the good news because to be in the top 10, anything can happen. Malawi can win; Africa can win," she says, optimistic about the future.
Mtambo's journey to becoming a top 10 finalist for the Global Teacher Prize is a story of overcoming adversity and demonstrating exceptional dedication to her profession.
The Global Teacher Prize is an annual USD 1 million award that recognises an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, highlighting the crucial role teachers play in society.
It is open to teachers working with students in compulsory education, between the ages of 5 and 18, as well as teachers of younger students (4+) in an Early Years curriculum and teachers of online courses.
To be eligible, teachers must spend at least 10 hours per week teaching and intend to stay in the profession for the next 5 years.
The prize has received over 100,000 applications since its launch and is now in its ninth year.
The winner is chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and will be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Here are some key points about Mtambo's journey and qualifications:
•Inspiration and Motivation: Her decision to become a teacher was driven by her personal experience as a child marriage survivor at the age of 14. She is passionate about preventing this practice and empowering young girls through education.
•Teaching Philosophy: She uses a learner-centred approach that empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Her methods include project-based learning, critical thinking exercises and group discussions. She acts as a facilitator, guiding students to discover knowledge for themselves.
•Contextualised Teaching: Her teaching style incorporates a "known to unknown" approach, drawing connections between students' lives and their classroom learning. For instance, when teaching social studies, she starts with local traditional dances and then introduces famous dances from around the world.
•Overcoming Resource Challenges: She teaches in a rural area of Malawi with limited resources. She has demonstrated resourcefulness by using her salary and seeking support from well-wishers, NGOs, and school alumni to provide resources for her students. This has led to improved student outcomes, with more students being selected for secondary school.
•Transformative Impact: She has had a transformative impact on her students and the community. She has gone above and beyond for her students, for example, taking in a student from a child-headed household, enabling her to complete primary and secondary school. She has also inspired other teachers to emulate her dedication, creating a spirit of sacrifice and support within the teaching community.
•Innovative Projects: She has implemented innovative projects, such as a spelling bee competition, that has boosted literacy and confidence among students. The competition has expanded to involve more than 7,000 students, with some participants reaching national and international levels.
•Time Management and Professional Development: She is currently studying at the Catholic University while still working and supporting her students.
•Future Vision: If she wins the $1 million prize, she plans to expand existing initiatives, such as hostels, feeding programs, and libraries, and to make her school a model school with resources for student success. She also plans to develop programmes that will benefit teachers and students.
•Global Recognition: As a top 10 finalist, she carries the hopes of her nation and the continent, and is optimistic about the future.
This educator's approach to teaching, her dedication to her students and her community, and her innovative spirit make her an ideal candidate for the Global Teacher Prize. Her story exemplifies the profound impact teachers can have on the lives of their students and the importance of supporting educators in challenging environments.
Whether or not she wins, her dedication, innovation, and passion for teaching will continue to inspire and uplift students, teachers, and communities in Malawi and beyond.