Abu Dhabi PE teacher in $1m Global Teacher Prize shortlist
Dubai student makes it to new Global Student Prize top 50 nominations
Riadh Zammali, a PE teacher in Abu Dhabi, has been included in the top 50 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2021 in partnership with Unesco, while Lamya Butt, a 17-year-old student at Dubai Scholars Private School, has been included in the top 50 shortlist for its new sister award, the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021.
Riadh, shortlisted for the Global Teacher Prize 2021, was selected from over 8,000 nominations and applications from 121 countries around the world. Lamya, shortlisted for the Global Student Prize 2021, was selected from over 3,500 nominations and applications from 94 countries around the world.
In its seventh year, the $1 million Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind, while Global Student Prize, which is in its inaugural year, will see the winning student receive $100,000.
Outstanding contribution
Now in its seventh year, the $1 million Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind, while the Global Student Prize, which is in its inaugural year, will see the winning student receive $100,000.
The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes that have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of millions of teachers all over the world.
The Varkey Foundation launched the Chegg.org Global Student Prize earlier this year to create a powerful new platform
to highlight the efforts of extraordinary students throughout the world that are making a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers and on society beyond. The prize is open to all students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in an academic institution or training and skills programme. Part time students as well as students enrolled in online courses are also eligible for the prize.
Together, the Global Teacher Prize and the Global Student Prize will tell inspirational stories from both sides of education.
Tackling challenges
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Riadh and Lamya, for reaching the final 50. Their stories clearly highlight the importance of education in tackling the great challenges ahead — from climate change to growing inequality to global pandemics. It is only by prioritising education that we can safeguard all our tomorrows. Education is the key to facing the future with confidence.”