By ADOW MOHAMED

Ayub Mohamud in class. Photo/Courtesy

A Kenyan teacher is among 10 world finalists nominated in this years prestigious Global Teachers Prize 2016.

Ayub Mohamud, a teacher from Eastleigh High School stands a chance to win ($1 million) Sh100 million prize money for his role in fighting radicalisation and violent extremism.

Ayub is the only African finalist in the competition.

The prize seeks to award exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution in their profession.

Ayub, an Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and business studies teacher said he is honoured to be nominated.

“This is a great honour not only for me, but also for Kenya and the continent. I am greatly hounoured,” Ayub told the Star.

Other finalists are Hanan Al Hroub from Palestine, Aqeela Asifi from Pakistan, Robin Chaurasiya (India), Joe Fatheree (US), Colin Hegarty (UK), Richard Johnson from Australia, Maarit Rossi, from Finland, Michael Soskil (United States) and Kazuya Takahashi (Japan).

“The thousands of nominations and applications we received from every corner of the planet is testimony to the achievements of teachers and the enormous impact they have on all of our lives,” Sunny Varkey, founder of the Foundation said.

The ‘Oscars’ and ‘Nobel’ prize for the teaching profession, was created in 2015 by the UK-based Varkey Foundation.

“I count my teachers as among the most influential people in my life. Teachers are entrusted with nurturing the potential of the young and helping them blossom as productive and responsible members of society. It is hard to underestimate their value,” the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, said after the finalists were announced on Wednesday.

The winner will be announced in Dubai on March 13.

The ten were narrowed down from 8,000 nominations and applications from 148 countries around the world.

Source: The Star