Indian educator Rouble Nagi receives the Global Teacher Prize 2026 in Dubai, honoured for transforming walls into classrooms and bringing education to millions of children….reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the Global Teacher Prize 2026 to Indian educator Rouble Nagi at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, celebrating two decades of work that has brought education to some of the most marginalised children across India.
The US$1 million award, presented by GEMS Education and organised by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, was announced during a ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The prize marks its tenth edition this year and remains one of the most prestigious global recognitions in the education sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan said honouring teachers reflected a deep appreciation for their role in shaping societies and inspiring future generations. He noted that educators leave a lasting imprint beyond classrooms, acting as role models who instil values, ethics and a lifelong love of learning. Teaching, he said, remains among humanity’s noblest professions and a cornerstone of progress.
The Crown Prince congratulated the winner and extended his wishes to teachers around the world, acknowledging their commitment to nurturing generations equipped to shoulder future responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Rouble Nagi was selected from more than 5,000 nominations spanning 139 countries, recognised for her innovative use of art to make education accessible to children who have long been excluded from formal schooling. Her work centres on transforming neglected and abandoned walls into vibrant, interactive learning spaces that teach reading, writing and arithmetic, alongside lessons on public health, environmental awareness and social responsibility.
Over the past 20 years, Nagi’s initiatives have helped integrate more than one million children into education systems by using creativity as a bridge to learning. Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she has established over 800 educational centres across India, creating safe and inspiring environments in more than 100 low-income communities and remote villages.
These centres serve both out-of-school children and those already enrolled but struggling to keep up. They provide structured learning pathways, remedial education, psychosocial support and creative engagement, helping students gradually transition into mainstream schooling and remain there.
At the heart of her approach is the concept of ‘Living Walls of Learning’, where education moves beyond traditional classrooms and into public spaces. Nagi works directly with children across India and mentors local educators who lead these centres. She has recruited and trained more than 600 teachers and volunteers, building a scalable, community-driven model that addresses educational, social and economic challenges simultaneously.
Her programmes have recorded tangible impact, reducing school dropout rates by more than 50 per cent while significantly improving long-term retention and learning outcomes. The model has gained attention for its simplicity, adaptability and ability to restore dignity and confidence among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Nagi has announced plans to use the prize money to establish a vocational institute offering free training in professional skills and digital literacy. The initiative aims to expand opportunities for underprivileged children and young people, equipping them with practical tools to improve employability and long-term life prospects.
