Malawian Teacher Makes Top 50 for Global Prize
As Mtambo’s journey demonstrates, teachers have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of their students and communities, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
LONDON -- Tionge Mtambo, a teacher from Malawi, has been named as one of the top 50 finalists for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize.
The $1 million prize, the largest of its kind, is awarded annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, writes Winston Mwale.
Mtambo, who focuses on inclusivity in her classroom, expressed her excitement and humility upon learning she was a finalist.
"I feel excited. I feel humbled because this is not only for me but is for every teacher who has a passion for teaching, and it’s for our wonderful students who always give us support when we teach them, and they make sure they excel in whatever we deliver in class,” Mtambo said in an interview.
She credits her success to her commitment to ensuring all students feel empowered to learn.
"Actually, as a teacher, I focus much on inclusivity. I make sure that everyone goes to class ready to rain and able to achieve," Mtambo explained.
To achieve this, Mtambo identifies students in need and provides them with school uniforms and writing materials.
For students who live far away, she even offers accommodation and has advocated for the construction of host homes for both girls and boys so that students, specifically 8th graders, can have more time to study and interact.
Mtambo’s dedication to her students has paid off, with learners achieving remarkable results. She attributes this success to her innovative teaching practices.
When asked for advice from other teachers who may want to apply for the award, Mtambo said, "Teachers, we should believe in ourselves; we should accept that teaching is our passion because I’ve seen other people saying teaching has a lot of challenges. No, but if you take teaching as a passion, it works. You come up with your ideas, you come up with your innovations, and then you achieve the classroom outcomes.”
The Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, was established by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO.
The prize aims to highlight the crucial role teachers play in society and inspire others to join the teaching profession.
Since its inception, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from teachers across the globe.
This year’s finalists were chosen from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries.
The top 50 represent a diverse range of backgrounds and teaching approaches, reflecting the global nature of the award.
Mtambo is one of only two finalists from Southern Africa. The other finalist is from South Africa.
The selection process for the Global Teacher Prize is rigorous, with applicants assessed on various criteria, including:
teaching practices
innovation
demonstrable learning outcomes
community impact
global citizenship development
contributions to the teaching profession
recognition from external bodies.
The application process involved a detailed online form, which could be submitted in multiple languages.
The next stage in the competition will see the top 50 narrowed down to 10 finalists, who will be announced in late January.
These finalists will then be invited to the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February, where the ultimate winner will be announced.
Mtambo expressed enthusiasm about her selection as a Top 50 finalist.
"Reaching this far is not a mean achievement," she said, noting she is one of only two educators from southern Africa to receive this recognition, alongside a colleague from South Africa.
She emphasised her ambition to advance in the competition.
"I'm dreaming to be the winner as well," Mtambo said. "Being in the Top 50 means I deserve to compete for this prize."
The educator said she looks forward to upcoming opportunities connected to the award.
The Global Teacher Prize not only celebrates the achievements of individual teachers but also elevates the teaching profession as a whole, inspiring more individuals to consider this rewarding career path.
As Mtambo’s journey demonstrates, teachers have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of their students and communities, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
*Listen to the whole interview below: