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A Kenyan teacher this week captured the world’s attention, earning a spot as one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious Global Teacher Award, a highly competitive prize that includes a $1 million (about Ksh 129 million) reward. This comes just five years after another Kenyan educator, Peter Tabichi, received the same honor in 2019.
Dominic Orina, who teaches at Kugerwet Primary School in Bomet County, was nominated for his impressive work in education, focusing on agricultural innovation and community development. His initiative enhanced the school’s educational offerings and also promoted self-reliance and sustainable food systems among his learners.
Upon receiving the news of his nomination, Orina expressed profound gratitude to his community for their support. He shared his excitement on social media, stating, “This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the incredible backing from my students, parents, fellow teachers, and the entire community. Keep me in your prayers as we strive for victory in this competition. Glory be to God.”
Orina’s journey to global recognition began in 2017 when he was posted to Kugerwet Primary School, a rural institution in Bomet County. Having grown up in Nyamira, where he was accustomed to a variety of vegetables, Orina found himself faced with limited food options in the Satiet area—only collard greens (sukumawiki) and cabbage were readily available. He thus turned to his expertise in farming to inspire his students and improve the local food systems.
He revived the school’s dormant 4K clubs, which had previously been used for agricultural purposes, and instilled the motto “Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya” (uniting, doing, and helping Kenya). Through this initiative, Orina taught students the importance of patriotism, unity, and self-sufficiency.
The teacher sought permission from his landlord to grow vegetables in plastic containers, transforming his limited space into a thriving garden. Within weeks, his crops flourished. He invited his students to see how innovation could turn small spaces into productive farms. Motivated by this success, the pupils took the concept back to school, where they started their own vegetable gardens and expanded to rabbit farming.
The school garden became a hub for organic farming. The students used rabbit urine as a natural pesticide and foliar fertilizer, promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. The vegetables they grew were sold to teachers and the local community during the rainy seasons, generating income for the school and providing a sustainable food source.
Orina’s innovative projects have not only transformed his school but have also gained significant attention online. Through social media, he and his students have received support from well-wishers who have donated school supplies, such as uniforms and textbooks, to less fortunate pupils.
Long before the Global Teacher Award nomination, Orina had been recognized for his contributions to education and community development. He had received multiple accolades from the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 2021, the Ministry of Education recognized him as the best innovative teacher in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) within the Cheptalal zone.
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