DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - A distinguished Saudi educator, renowned for his dedication to charity and teaching incarcerated individuals, has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize. This accolade was presented to Mansour al-Mansour during the World Governments Summit held in Dubai, an annual gathering that attracts leaders and policymakers from around the globe.
Mansour al-Mansour is not only celebrated for his key initiatives within his community but is also an accomplished author. Among his significant contributions is a program that provides essential air conditioning maintenance services, ensuring that residents have access to relief during the sweltering summer months typical of Saudi Arabia.
The Global Teacher Prize is organized by the Varkey Foundation, an organization founded by Sunny Varkey, who is also the creator of the for-profit GEMS Education company. GEMS Education operates numerous schools across Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, establishing itself as a formidable entity in the educational landscape.
Since the inception of the prize in 2015, al-Mansour marks the ninth teacher to claim this honor. Previous recipients have included educators from diverse backgrounds, such as a Kenyan teacher from a remote village who selflessly gave most of his earnings to support the impoverished, a Palestinian primary school teacher dedicated to teaching non-violence principles, and a Canadian educator who worked with Inuit students in a secluded Arctic community.
GEMS Education, also known as Global Education Management Systems, stands as one of the largest operators of private schools worldwide and is valued in the billions. The foundation's expansion has coincided with the growth of Dubai's economy, where private educational institutions cater to the children of expatriates who are integral to the city's workforce.
In line with its ambitious growth plans, GEMS is set to launch a new school later this year aimed at catering to the children of affluent families relocating to the rapidly developing, skyscraper-laden Dubai. The newly planned Gems School of Research and Innovation will boast a state-of-the-art robotics lab, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an elevated football field that can double as a helipad. Tuition fees for this exclusive institution will range from $31,000 for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students to $56,000 for high school seniors.
The recognition awarded to Mansour al-Mansour encapsulates the vital role educators play in shaping the future, underscoring the importance of innovative teaching methods and community engagement. His recognition emphasizes the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities and beyond.
