Thérèse Mabaka Angelani, a teacher at Malaika school in Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been named among the 50 finalists for the Varkey Foundation’s “Global Teacher Prize”.
This award aims to recognize the impact of the best teachers on their students and the communities around them.
For the Varkey Foundation, Thérèse Mabaka’s exceptional teaching practice is a winning blend of love, dedication and innovative teaching methods that have transformed the lives of her students and her community.
“She truly embodies the idea that teaching is not just a job, but a way of life. The results obtained by her students testify to the effectiveness of her teaching methods,” says the Varkey Foundation.
“Despite facing economic difficulties and coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, Malaika School students excel academically, with a high success rate of 75% on average, while 97% of them speak French fluently and gain successes in various reading, writing, fashion, dance and sports competitions,” informed the members of the Varkey Foundation.
According to the Varkey Foundation, the fifty finalists come from the four corners of the world and teach in isolated towns and villages or in schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“This program advocates for integration and children’s rights. It integrates migrants into classes and develops the abilities and self-confidence of their students. We believe that teachers like this lady are all champions of change and a source of inspiration for their communities,” said the award organizers.
The World Teacher Prize is open to active primary school teachers who are subject to compulsory education or aged between five and eighteen years old.
“Teachers who teach children over the age of 4 in a government-recognized early childhood education program are also eligible, as are teachers who teach part-time and teachers who provide online course. Teachers must spend at least 10 hours per week teaching children face-to-face, and plan to remain in the teaching profession for the next 5 years. The award is open to teachers from all types of schools and, subject to local laws, from all countries in the world,” according to the selection committee.
Thérèse Mabaka has a degree in French and African languages. She has been teaching at Malaika preschool since the school opened 12 years ago.
She is also vice director of education and serves as a school counselor on issues relating to girls’ sexual health, hygiene and education.
