Radio Islam News Team- 2016/03/14
A Palestinian primary school teacher who grew up in a refugee camp won a $1 million prize for teaching excellence, beating out 8,000 other applicants from around the world.
Hanan al-Hroub, who teaches in the West Bank city of al-Bireh just outside Ramallah, was awarded the second annual Global Teacher Prize during a ceremony in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was on-hand to present the prize to al-Hroub.
al-Hroub told The Associated Press that “For an Arab, Palestinian teacher to talk to the world today and to reach the highest peak in teaching could be an example for teachers around the world.”
She said she will use the million-dollar prize money to create scholarships for students who want to go into teaching.
Her win comes at a time of spiking tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Israeli officials blame Palestinian leaders and social media for inciting the violence, while Palestinian leaders say it is the product of frustration and despair after nearly 50 years of occupation.
As al-Hroub accepted her award, Palestinians in the audience waved their country’s flag while some chanted, fists pumping in the air, “With our souls, our blood, we sacrifice for you Palestine.”
In her acceptance speech, she reiterated her mantra of “No to violence” and stressed the importance of dialogue.
“The Palestinian teacher can talk to the world now. Hand in hand we can affect change and provide a safe education to provide peace,”
Al-Hroub was among 10 finalists flown to Dubai to attend the ceremony.
The nine other finalists hail from Australia, Finland, India, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, Britain and two from the United States. Al-Hroub had them stand on stage with her to roaring applause after her speech.
The Global Teacher Prize was established two years ago to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, employs innovative classroom practices and encourages others to join the teaching profession.
The inaugural prize last year went to Nancie Atwell, an English teacher from rural Maine. – Business Insider and The Associated Press
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