Saudi Arabian educator Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour has been awarded the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a $1 million award presented by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO. The announcement was made during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, recognizing Al-Mansour’s extraordinary contributions to education and community service.
Al-Mansour, a teacher at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, was selected from over 5,000 nominations across 89 countries. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and orphans, has transformed lives and earned him international recognition. With over 3,000 hours of voluntary service, he has empowered hundreds of gifted orphans and disadvantaged students through innovative learning programs, mentorship, and financial literacy initiatives.
For over two decades, Al-Mansour has worked tirelessly to support students facing academic and financial challenges. Teaching in a small, rented school building, he transformed it into one of Saudi Arabia’s top 10 learning environments for gifted education. He connected students with leading professors at King Faisal University, provided specialized training at top talent centers, and established an innovation incubator to nurture young minds.
Beyond academics, Al-Mansour has played a pivotal role in equipping students with life skills. He helped launch the ‘Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative,’ providing interest-free loans to students to start small businesses, boosting their economic independence. Some of his students have gone on to establish successful ventures, earning a stable income.
On winning the Global Teacher Prize, Al-Mansour expressed his gratitude, stating, “Every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances. This award is not just for me, but for every teacher dedicated to changing lives through education.”
With the prize money, Al-Mansour plans to build a school exclusively for gifted orphans, ensuring they receive quality education and opportunities for growth. His commitment extends beyond the classroom, as he also volunteers to teach prison inmates literacy skills, helping them reintegrate into society.
The Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, honors exceptional educators who make significant contributions to their communities. Sunny Varkey, Founder of the prize and GEMS Education, praised Al-Mansour’s dedication, saying, “His work exemplifies the power of education to change lives.” UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, also highlighted the importance of recognizing teachers amid global educational challenges.
The top 10 finalists for the award included educators from Australia, France, the U.S., Argentina, India, Malaysia, Colombia, New Zealand, and Malawi. Al-Mansour’s victory shines a light on the impact teachers can have, not just within classrooms but in shaping the future of society.
As Al-Mansour embarks on his next mission to provide quality education for orphans, his story serves as an inspiration to educators worldwide, reaffirming the vital role teachers play in building a better world.
Also read: Global Teacher Prize winner Ranjitsinh Disale joins Global Student Prize Academy
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