Trump Meets Teacher Peter Tabichi Ahead Of UN Assembly Address

Many Kenyans dream of a chance to go to the White House, and this became a reality for Kenyan teacher Peter Tabichi on Monday. He got a chance to meet and interact with US President Trump at the White House ahead of his special address at the 74th UN General Assembly in New York. He’ll make history as the first ever Kenyan teacher to do so.

This morning, President @realDonaldTrump met with Peter Tabichi, the recipient of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize! Peter is a science teacher who gives away 80% of his monthly income to help the poor in his home country of Kenya. pic.twitter.com/SS9b7IATNC

— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) September 16, 2019

News of the meeting was shared by the White House press secretary, who tweeted a photo of the occasion. Though no details of the meeting were shared, the White House officially had to say about Peter Tabichi:

“His dedication, hard work, and belief in his student’s talent has 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.”

Peter Tabichi is a science teacher at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School at Pwani village in Njoro, Nakuru County. He is also a staunch Catholic and  a member of the Franciscan friars, a religious order founded by St Francis of Asisi in the 13th century. Many of his pupils come from poor backgrounds and so he generously donates 80% of his income to help them out. It is this selfless act, and his dedication to bringing out the best in his students, that caught the world’s attention and saw him win the 2019 Global Teacher Prize.

Brother Tabichi is expected to recite the popular St. Francis of Asissi prayer before the start of the UN General Assembly. In addition, he will also be given an opportunity to make a few remarks on the teaching profession and his work with the Varky Foundation as a champion for children in conflict and crisis. This year’s United Nations General Assembly is set to focus on climate change, universal health coverage and political forum on sustainable development.

Once the news broke, many Kenyans on Twitter were quick to share their congratulatory messages.

Iam happy for Mwalimu Peter Tabichi… He keeps on rising and brushing shoulders with the big boys. Once again congratulations ? ?????? pic.twitter.com/UpYlgtCb1t

— MUHAMMAD ONYANGO® (@Moha001_Onyango) September 17, 2019

Karma rewarding Peter Tabichi for his good work… pic.twitter.com/EnsJb4dXDa

— ping pong official ?? (@pauliddiali) September 16, 2019

This article first appeared on Afromaisha.