Rouble Nagi has developed the ‘Misaal India’ programme, providing low-cost, art-based education to over a million children across more than 100 slums and villages
An internationally acclaimed Indian artist, social innovator, and transformative educator who taught children in slums and other marginalised communities was announced the winner of the US $1 million worth Gems Education Global Teacher Prize.
Rouble Nagi was chosen from more than 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries this year.
The announcement came on the last day of the World Government Summit and the award was handed out by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with Sunny Varkey, Founder of GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation.
After accepting the award, she wiped tears and looked visibly emotional. “This is a dream come true,” she said, smiling through her tears. “This award is a recognition for the constant, consistent effort for the last 24 years, getting up in the morning and going to class in the remotest possible areas of India, into the slums and teaching children and learning back from them. I had just one aim — education for children should not stop midway. It has been my dream to see every child in India in school.”
An acclaimed artist herself, Rouble developed the ‘Misaal India’ programme, providing low-cost, art-based education to over a million children across more than 100 slums and villages. Her approach blends literacy, numeracy, life skills, and vocational training, all integrated with creative projects that engage children and the wider community.
She has also founded the ‘Misaal Mumbai’ project — India’s first slum transformation initiative that painted over 155,000 houses while improving sanitation, waterproofing, and conducting hygiene workshops.
Now in its 10th year, the Global Teacher Prize is the largest award of its kind and was created to honour one outstanding teacher each year. It is an initiative by Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO. Since it began, the prize has received more than 100,000 applications and nominations from all over the world.
Sharjah teacher Hala Shahin was earlier announced as one of the top 50 finalists for the award for her work in incorporating smart learning and artificial intelligence in education.
Rouble said that the award was a great initiative. “Teachers always mattered, and they matter the most now, to inspire, to motivate, to take every child into school and learning better,” she said.
In a video shown ahead of the award ceremony, past winners shared how the award had impacted their work. “It changed my life and the life of my children,” said Pakistani teacher Sister Zeph, who founded her own school for underprivileged children in the courtyard of her home.
She shared how winning the award in 2023 ensured that her voice was heard. “People value my voice as a teacher,” she said. “People listen to my story and get inspired.”
© Khaleej Times
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