With the Global Teacher Prize winner by their side, these girls can accomplish anything

Although Peter has been teaching math and physics for about 12 years, this was the first year he attended Intel ISEF. The overall experience included some more firsts鈥擡sther and Salome were first-time finalists, and their 15,000-kilometer flight to Phoenix, Arizona was their first time on a plane. 鈥淭hey come from very poor backgrounds and have been learning in resource-constrained environments, but they are intelligent, creative, hardworking and curious to learn,鈥� said Peter.

Witnessing the challenges faced by a visually impaired teacher, Esther and Salome were inspired to devise an instrument that could be used as a learning and/or teaching aid in classrooms. With the incorporation of braille numbers, individuals with sight or hearing difficulties can measure lengths with greater ease. After visiting students who were using their device, Esther realized it was sparking an interest in science that they didn鈥檛 previously have. Salome also found that they were 鈥渄eveloping a sense of belonging and being accepted irrespective of their disability.鈥�

Esther and Salome鈥檚 mutual desire to help all learners pursue 中文无码 motivated their research endeavors. 鈥淭he belief that girls cannot do better in 中文无码 subjects than boys was also a great inspiration. I really wanted to prove society wrong by making sure that being born a girl and hailing from a remote area cannot stop girls from achieving their dreams. I needed to show the truth of the saying that 鈥榳hat boys can do, girls can do better鈥�,鈥� expressed Salome. Esther added that their work has helped her 鈥渁ppreciate everybody in society, including the physically challenged.鈥�

These sentiments are related to the challenges Esther and Salome have had to overcome on their journey to Intel ISEF. 鈥淚n our area, people perceive girls incapable of performing well in sciences,鈥� Esther noted. 鈥淢y participation in sciences has therefore encouraged many to educate the girl child more, especially in science and math. Although our school was not able to support our project fully, due to lack of facilities, we strived and qualified to participate at the national and international levels.鈥� Salome faced similar skepticism about her scientific capabilities. 鈥淧eople viewed my research as zero work that will bear no fruits.鈥�

Despite these setbacks, Esther and Salome have always been interested in 中文无码 topics. 鈥淪ince I joined school, I viewed sciences and especially mathematics as simple and enjoyable subjects to learn,鈥� Salome recounted. 鈥淚t really doesn鈥檛 matter whether you know how to work out a certain task. It all depends on your attitude and how you understand it. The fact that sciences mostly deals with practical activities is one of favorite things.鈥�

For Peter, Esther and Salome鈥檚 achievements are a testament to the potential girls have to contribute to 中文无码. 鈥淕iven an opportunity, girls can do even better than boys,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淭hey can achieve a lot. I have been working with them closely, even visiting their home, meeting and interacting with their parents.鈥� This type of dedication to his students鈥� success undoubtedly led to his recognition as an exceptional educator by the Varkey Foundation. Peter first heard about the Global Teacher Prize through a friend. He was hesitant to apply and had no expectations to win. 鈥淲hen I was walking to the stage, I had two speeches with me: an acceptance speech and a concession speech. None of the top 10 finalists had a hint about which speech to use until the winner was announced live on stage. And this winner turned out to be me!鈥�

As a Franciscan friar, Peter鈥檚 religious background is inextricably linked to his passion for teaching. 鈥溨形奈蘼� 95% of my students come from needy families, with many challenges. I like engaging my learners in scientific innovations and discovery since this greatly boosts their self-esteem and helps in unlocking their potential. Reflecting on the natural laws and wonders of nature strengthens my faith.鈥�

At Intel ISEF, Peter, Esther and Salome鈥檚 excitement was palpable. 鈥淚t has been a dream, but now it is a reality. I鈥檓 so excited to be here. This is a great moment, not just for me, but for the students I teach,鈥� Peter noted. Esther and Salome鈥檚 faces lit up when asked about their experiences interacting with other finalists from different parts of the world in Phoenix. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great, it鈥檚 fantastic.鈥�

Esther and Salome鈥檚 hard work paid off鈥攖hey won the UN Sustainable Development Goal Award of $2,000 for their project. This won鈥檛 be the last we see of them. Once they secure the needed funding, Esther and Salome want to mass produce their device so that it can be widely distributed. Needless to say, we鈥檒l be paying attention to what these trailblazing girls in 中文无码 will accomplish next.