Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Six months ago, Peter Tabichi boarded a plane for the first time, a journey that catapulted him to stardom.

And as part of this journey, on Monday, he met the US President Donald Trump at the White House. 

For Tabichi, life has been like a dream since he scooped this year’s Global Teacher Prize in Dubai in March where he trounced 50 finalists drawn from around the world—thereby becoming the first African to win the coveted trophy. 

Apart from pocketing $1 million (Sh100 million), the science teacher at Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru was also appointed the global ambassador for Varkey Foundation which sponsors the annual teacher award.

The London-based foundation is a charitable organisation focused on improving education standards for underprivileged children.

A member of the Franciscan Friars, a Catholic religious order founded by St Francis of Assisi, Tabichi met Trump ahead of his special address at the UN General Assembly in New York.

He also met with leaders of the World Bank on Monday and on Tuesday, he was granted the honour of opening the US Congress with a prayer. 

The UN assembly, which brings together participants from across the globe, started yesterday and Tabichi was scheduled to recite the St Francis prayer during the opening ceremony.  

In his address at the UN meeting, Tabichi is expected to give remarks on how he made it to the top of the teaching profession and how he manages to inspire great performance amongst children who live in a region where hunger and poverty are rife. 

Noting that Tabichi was an inspiration to Americans because of his hard work and commitment to his students, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham tweeted images of Tabichi, 37, meeting with  Trump.

  However, the official did not give details of what was discussed in the meeting. “Peter, you inspire us all! Thank you for your commitment to your students,” said Grisham.

Kenyan’s took to the social media to congratulate Tabichi on flying the Kenyan flag high with one Muhammad Onyango, saying: “I am happy for Tabichi…Once again congratulations,” Grisham tweeted.