【明報專訊】Peter Tabichi, a teacher from a remote village in Kenya (肯尼亞), donates 80% of his salary to help the poor students. He was crowned the Global Teacher Prize with US$1 million (around HK$7.8 million), beating 10,000 nominations from 179 countries.

Tabichi teaches science in a secondary school. Around 95% of the school's pupils are from poor families, and almost a third are orphans or have only one parent. There is only one computer at school with poor internet connection, and a student-teacher ratio of 58:1. Despite the obstacles, Tabichi uses ICT (資訊與通訊科技) in his lessons to engage students, qualifying them for national competitions.

Tabichi and four colleagues also make use of their weekend time to give struggling students one-to-one tuition. They visit students' homes and meet their families to identify the challenges they face. "This prize does not recognise me but recognises this great continent's young people. I am only here because of what my students have achieved." Tabichi said.

sources: Ming Pao, The Guardian

■Game

Dr Panda has prepared four sets of building blocks for his teaching. Which set is the same as the one on the left?

(see picture)

■Quiz

1. What is Tabichi's occupation?

____________________________________

2. Which of the following are true about Tabichi's working place?

i) The school is in a remote village.

ii) Over 90% of the students are poor.

iii) There are 58 computers in the school.

iv) Students can take part in national competitions.

a) i, ii and iii

c) i, ii and iv

b) ii, iii and iv

d) All of the above

(Answers on next text)

■English highway﹕crown

to crown = to give someone a title for winning a competition

e.g. She was crowned Olympic champion.

■Glossary

orphan (n) 孤兒

obstacle (n) 障礙

engage (v) 吸引

tuition (n) 補習

[Smarties' Power English 第246期]