Award-Winning Kenyan Teacher Peter Tabichi Opens US Congress in Style

Award-winning Kenyan teacher Peter Tabichi on Tuesday opened a session of the US House of Representatives with a prayer.

Tabichi, who was crowned world’s best teacher in 2019, recited the Franciscan prayer for peace at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“It was a great privilege and honor to open the US Congress with the Franciscan prayer for peace at the Capitol, Washington DC. What a great day! God bless us all.🙏,” Tabichi tweeted.

The Franciscan Brother said opening Congress showed that the US Government recognizes his religion and achievements as a teacher.

This came a day after the 36-year-old teacher met President Trump at White House, where he was hailed for his selflessness. Tabichi gives away 80 percent of his salary to needy students.

“His dedication, hard work, and belief in his student’s talent have led his poorly resourced school in Kenya to emerge victorious after taking on the country’s best schools in national science competitions. Peter, you inspire us all! Thank you for your commitment to your students,” White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said.

He is in the US to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he will speak about how he managed to excel as a teacher in a community where poverty is widespread.

The Mathematics and Science teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru won the Varkey Foundation $1 million Global Teacher Prize in March this year.

Tabichi is a member of the Franciscan religious order, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the early 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi.