Global Teacher Prize 2017 finalist – Michael Wamaya from Kenya

Global Teacher Prize

Michael Wamaya is one of the ten finalists in with a chance of winning the Global Teacher Prize worth $1 million on Sunday 19 March.

Michael is a dance teacher from Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya. Michael had to drop out of his own high school because his family didn’t have the money. But, a chance audition with the visiting Kenya Performing Arts Group allowed him to move to Nairobi and study dance.

In 2009 Michael joined Annos Africa, a UK-based charity that offers an alternative arts education to orphans and vulnerable children in some of Africa’s most deprived areas, with a particular focus on those living in Kenya’s Kibera and Mathare slums. As a dance instructor for them, he combines the teaching of dance skills with social skills. His programme explores their individuality: who they are, what they think and believe, what they want for their futures. Attending the classes has also turned around dropout rates and teenage pregnancy rates for his students.

Come back to First News this Sunday, 19 March, at 4pm (GMT) to watch a very special announcement of the winner – it’ll be out of this world! You can read more about the winner in Issue 562 of First News, on sale Friday 24 March.

Watch videos about all the all ten finalists.

Watch what Prince Harry has to say about the Global Teacher Prize 2017 finalists.

Find out more about the Global Teacher Prize.

What do you think makes a great teacher? Tell us in the comments below!