When the world’s best teacher Peter Tabichi was orphaned at 11 years old, he had only his father on his side for upbringing.
Tabichi says his 68-year-old father Lawrence Tabichi inspired him to be a teacher.
“As a young boy, besides playing with my mates, I liked calligraphy, fixing items and carving. In fact, if I were not a teacher, I would probably have been a scientist, web designer or counselor,”he said.
But, as a young man who grew up looking up to his father (a retired teacher) as a role model, teaching became his calling.
“My father is a staunch Catholic and a very prayerful man. It was this trait that motivated me to become a Franciscan brother, a member of the Catholic religious order founded by St Francis of Assisi,” he told a local media.
“It was a difficult childhood, but one that was sprinkled with great faith and hope. Over time, we had well-wishers, especially from the local church, helping us,” he said. “The heart to give to society stems from a point of gratitude. We were raised by the community.”
And as he spread his wings from Nyansabakwa Secondary School to Egerton University, and later to teach maths and physics at Keriko Secondary School, Pwani village in Nakuru county, his father’s words, said to him as a young boy, kept ringing in his mind.
“My father used to encourage us to go out there, work hard, be honest and help those in need, whether we knew them or not,” he said.
His youngest sister, Josepha Nyamboka, also a teacher and a volunteer with various organisations, describes her elder brother as smart, prayerful and a go-getter.
Global Teacher Prize 2019 Top 10 Finalist – Peter Tabichi
“If you want to give up and meet Peter, he will make you change your mind. Although I was young when we lost our mother, I am aware of many challenges that he went through, yet he listened to our father’s counsel, remained disciplined and see, he has made him proud,” she told NTV on Thursday.
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