Why in news?
Indian educator and artist Rouble Nagi has won the 2026 Global Teacher Prize at the World Government Summit in Dubai. The prestigious award, worth one million US dollars, honours outstanding contributions to education worldwide.
Background
The Global Teacher Prize is organised by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and is presented by GEMS Education. Since 2015 it has recognised teachers who transform students’ lives and communities. Rouble Nagi, the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, works to bring education to children living in slums and underserved villages across India.
Nagi’s achievements
- Innovative teaching: She pioneered the concept of “living walls of learning” by painting colourful murals on neglected walls that teach alphabets, numbers, health messages and environmental awareness. These open‑air classrooms make learning accessible and engaging for children who lack formal schooling.
- Community centres: Through her foundation, Nagi has set up more than 800 educational centres in over 100 low‑income communities. These centres provide safe spaces for children to start or resume schooling and offer remedial classes, psychosocial support and creative activities.
- Reaching the unreached: Over two decades, she has helped integrate more than one million children into formal education systems by combining art with literacy and numeracy. Her programmes have significantly reduced drop‑out rates in the neighbourhoods she serves.
- Teacher training: Nagi has recruited and trained over 600 teachers and volunteers to deliver lessons and mentor students. Her model emphasises local participation and is adaptable to different cultural contexts.
Future plans
Rouble Nagi has stated that she will use the prize money to establish a vocational institute offering free training in professional skills and digital literacy. The goal is to expand opportunities for youth from underprivileged backgrounds and help them secure dignified employment.
Significance of the award
- Recognition of grassroots work: Nagi’s win spotlights the importance of educators who work outside traditional classrooms to reach marginalised children.
- Empowerment through art: Her approach shows how art can be a powerful medium for education, fostering creativity and community pride.
- Global inspiration: By celebrating teachers like Nagi, the Global Teacher Prize encourages educators worldwide to innovate and addresses systemic barriers to learning.
Conclusion
Rouble Nagi’s recognition as the Global Teacher Prize laureate underscores the transformative potential of dedicated teachers. Her work demonstrates that education, creativity and compassion can change lives, even in the most challenging environments.
Source: DD News
