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India Today
02-08-2025
- Business
- India Today
Meet the 5 Indian students shortlisted for Global Student Prize 2025 top 50
In a proud moment for India, five students have made it to the top 50 shortlist for the Global Student Prize 2025 – a prestigious international award by the Varkey Foundation, run in partnership with five Indian students were selected from nearly 11,000 nominations and applications from 148 prize recognises extraordinary students making a real-world impact beyond academics, and awards USD 100,000 to the 'At Chegg, we're proud to support and celebrate the changemakers who aren't just imagining a better world – they're building it,' said Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg, Inc.'From environmental and social justice to education, health, and youth empowerment, this year's Global Student Prize finalists are tackling the world's most pressing challenges with courage and innovation," he the five Indian students shortlisted in this year's top 50:ADARSH KUMAR: BIHAR'S BARRIER-BREAKER He became the first student to win a Rs 30-lakh full scholarship to JPIS and now helps others secure the same. Growing up in Champaran, Bihar, where electricity was scarce and money scarcer, Adarsh Kumar dared to dream big. Raised by a single mother who worked as a domestic help, he left home at 14 with Rs 1,000 and an old laptop to pursue education in couldn't afford coaching, so he used public libraries and Wi-Fi to teach self-belief led him to found Skillzo, a platform that has trained over 19,500 underserved youths. His earlier project, Mission Badlao, brought vaccines, tree plantations, and school access to rural also co-built Sparkle and Education-21 with IITs, reaching thousands became the first student to win a Rs 30-lakh full scholarship to JPIS and now helps others secure the same. As a Google Youth Advisor, he advocates for equitable tech access, and his future plan includes SkillzoX, a low-bandwidth AI mentorship tool for rural India.2. MANNAT SAMRA: GIVING SECOND CHANCES Ranked in the top 1% of her class, Mannat has earned awards from the Diana Foundation and Rochester University. Mannat Samra, 17, is redefining criminal justice and refugee education. Her prison reform work has helped over 50,000 incarcerated people, from delivering communication training to launching India's first job portal for ex-convicts. Through Bridge, she supports small businesses run by formerly incarcerated also mentors refugee students, helping some gain entry to universities like Stanford. Her social enterprise SustainaBite turns food waste into high-protein flour, and she co-developed SecureSense, an AI system protecting borderland in the top 1% of her class, Mannat has earned awards from the Diana Foundation and Rochester idea incubator has nurtured dozens of youth-led projects, and she now plans to scale up prison reintegration and career counselling in juvenile vision is clear: 'No one is a prisoner of their circumstances.'3. SHIVANSH GUPTA: THE VOICE OF THE INVISIBLE Through government partnerships, he's trained over 40,000 rural women in financial literacy. From Haryana, Shivansh Gupta is changing how we understand gender economics and youth leadership. His academic work, published in journals like SocArxiv, explores unpaid labour and patriarchy's economic Shivansh isn't just a thinker – he's a government partnerships, he's trained over 40,000 rural women in financial literacy. His non-profit, The Teen Debater, has taught debate and critical thinking to 10,000+ students in over 250 schools, especially in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 invented ParkinStep, a $5 wearable that helps Parkinson's patients walk safely, inspired by his great-grandfather.A national economics medallist, he's also a musician and debater who's competed at Harvard, Oxford and next goal? To scale ParkinStep and expand his educational work to marginalised youths globally.4. DHIRAJ GATMANE: RESTORING DIGNITY TO ELDERS Despite chronic illness and financial hardship, Dhiraj excelled in academics and has published AI research at Oxford and Imperial College London. In the tribal areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dhiraj Gatmane saw how older people suffered in silence. That empathy led to Second Sunrise, a youth-led movement reaching over 3.5 million elderly in 20+ Sunrise has built 350 green homes, conducted 120,000 health screenings, and trained 150,000 elders in digital skills through e-waste-powered Tech Pods. Dhiraj's model blends sustainability with care, using recycled materials, solar energy, and intergenerational chronic illness and financial hardship, Dhiraj excelled in academics and has published AI research at Oxford and Imperial College future plan includes drone-deployed labs, AR heritage trails, and a global NFT art campaign led by elders and him, 'Innovation is about proximity to those we often forget.'5. JAHAAN ARORA: MEALS, MENTORSHIP, AND A MOVEMENT Through his environmental initiative, Trash Mafia Kids, he's helped divert 20 tonnes of waste from landfills and recycled thousands of items. Jahaan Arora started by raising funds to feed 40 HIV+ children. Today, his project, 1 Million Meals, has served 950,000 meals and supported children with cerebral palsy and HIV/AIDS across India. It also won a USD440,000 grant from the Azim Premji also created $ocialCred$, a youth timebanking platform where students exchange volunteer hours for mentorship and skills. The platform now includes 11,900 children from five countries, clocking 168,000+ hours of community his environmental initiative, Trash Mafia Kids, he's helped divert 20 tonnes of waste from landfills and recycled thousands of globally, Jahaan has spoken at the World Time Banking Conference and aims to reach 1 million meals and 1 million civic hours by IMPACTWhether in a tribal village, a courtroom, or a refuge shelter, these five students have one thing in common – they're proving that age is no barrier to impact. Their stories echo a global truth: when young minds lead with heart, change becomes not just possible – but year's shortlisted Indian changemakers are not only academic achievers but also builders of global social innovation.'Their story is a powerful reminder that education is a catalyst for solving global challenges. At a time when the world is changing rapidly, investing in education has never been more vital. It's how we prepare the next generation to lead with purpose, think boldly, and shape a better future,' said Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation.- Ends
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Keningau student finalist for Global Student Prize 2025
Hanisah KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, a 20-year-old student of Early Childhood Education at Keningau Vocational College (KVC), is one of the 50 finalists for the Global Student Prize 2025, which offers a total prize of USD100,000 (RM400,000) to one winner. The award, sponsored by the UK-based Varkey Foundation and is considered the most prestigious student award in the world. In 2025, the award received 11,000 nominations, and Hanisah is the only Malaysian to qualify as a finalist for this award. This list of 50 nominees was announced officially on social media and website of Varkey Foundation on July 17. Hanisah was selected as a finalist for her achievements, contributions and impact on other students and within the education community. She is the founder of a social enterprise called Mearpet, which recycles used clothing and stuffed toys into puppets used to educate and entertain children. This project has won numerous awards both locally and internationally, including RM3,000 in prize money through the Pitchbah competition organized by the OOZE youth club in 2023, as well as the YouthMADE Festival Amplify Grant from the US-based Digital Promise in 2025. It was also featured on the DidikTV KPM television channel in early 2025. Hanisah has organized social enterprise workshops and competitions at the college, which have inspired many students to develop their own social projects such as sign language tutoring classes, food waste reduction campaigns, and toy innovations made from recycled materials. These students have won several competitions, including the Social Project Challenge hosted by myHarapan and Yayasan Telekom Malaysia. Hanisah is also an outstanding academic achiever, consistently receiving the Best Student Award every year. She is also the former vice president of the college's student council. Other than the Mearpet project, she has also initiated a Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for vocational college students who plan to pursue tertiary education as well as led a virtual internationalization learning session that connects students and teachers from different countries. The college director, Lumang anak Lang, expressed pride in Hanisah's achievement, stating that this success is proof that vocational colleges under the Malaysian Ministry of Education are capable and committed to producing skilled, competent, ambitious students who contribute to society. Hanisah's profile as a 2025 Global Student Prize finalist can be accessed on:
Zawya
09-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
'Superhuman' UAE teachers urged to apply for GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize
Applications now open for $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize Most recent winner, Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour, says teachers have demonstrated 'superhuman powers' in empowering students Dubai, UAE: 'Superhuman' UAE teachers are urged to apply for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organised in collaboration with UNESCO. The $1 million award is the biggest prize of its kind. Since its launch in 2015, the award has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe. Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour has transformed the lives of hundreds of orphans and spends his free time teaching prisoners how to read and write. As the most recent winner, he received his trophy during a ceremony at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2025. Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour, the most recent winner of the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, said: 'Every day across the UAE, teachers are using their superhuman powers to transform young lives. With remarkable resilience, bold innovation, and unwavering courage, they go above and beyond to protect, guide, and shape the futures of their students. 'I invite every inspiring educator to step into the light and apply for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. I also urge students and parents to nominate teachers who are making a lasting difference in their lives. These are stories of passion, dedication, and brilliance the world needs to hear – and their achievements deserve to be celebrated on a global stage.' Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, the Varkey Foundation, and GEMS Education, said: 'The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize was created to spotlight the critical role of education in addressing the major challenges of our time – from combating climate change to reducing inequality and navigating technological change. 'I encourage all inspiring teachers in the UAE to step forward and apply for this year's prize. This is your moment to join a global movement of educators who are leading the charge toward a better, more just future for all.' Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: 'UNESCO is proud to stand with the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize in honouring the incredible dedication and impact of teachers around the world. At a time of growing teacher shortages, increasing challenges, and rapid technological change, one truth remains clear: teachers are essential. If we are to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable world, investing in teachers is not optional – it's imperative.' The UAE has an incredible track record when it comes to the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. Moza Mohammed Rashid Saadan Al-Hafiti, a teacher at Zayed Educational Complex, Dibba Al Fujairah, was included in the top 50 in 2025. In 2021, Riadh Zammali, a physical education teacher at the Ghayathi Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi, made the top 50. The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize is open to working teachers who teach children who are in compulsory schooling or are between the ages of five and 18. Teachers who teach children age 4+ in an Early Years government-recognised curriculum are also eligible, as are teachers who teach on a part-time basis, and teachers of online courses. Teachers must spend at least 10 hours per week teaching and plan to remain in the profession for the next five years. It is open to teachers in every kind of school and, subject to local laws, in every country in the world. Teachers applying for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize will be assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, impact the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens, improve the teaching profession, and gain recognition from external bodies. The prize will be narrowed down to a Top 50 shortlist and Top 10 finalists, helping to raise the bar of respect for the teaching profession. The winner will be chosen from the top 10 finalists by the Global Teacher Prize Academy made up of prominent individuals. If teachers are being nominated, the person nominating them will write a brief description online explaining why. The teacher being nominated will then be sent an email letting them know they have been nominated and inviting them to apply for the prize. Applicants can apply in English, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. About GEMS Education Every day, GEMS Education has the privilege of educating more than 200,000 students from over 176 countries through its owned and managed schools around the world. With nearly half a million alumni who have influenced countless lives, GEMS is recognised as one of the most impactful education groups globally. Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS Education is the largest and most respected K–12 private education group in the world, with a track record of providing diverse curricula and educational opportunities to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. What began as a single school in a private home in Dubai remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Varkey, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, continue to provide vision, insight, and strategic leadership across the organisation. Through its growing school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to fulfilling its vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner, everywhere. Each year, GEMS students graduate to join the world's leading universities. Over the past five years alone, they have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries – including all eight Ivy League institutions in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. GEMS alumni have gone on to successful careers in all sectors around the world, including a large proportion reaching CEO and C-suite status. For further information about GEMS Education, visit or contact: Shilpa Johnson, Account Director, Four | +971 52 118 9045 | +971 4 568 3444 About The Varkey Foundation The Varkey Foundation believes every child deserves a vibrant, stimulating learning environment that awakens and supports their full potential. The foundation believes nothing is more important to achieving this than the passion and quality of teachers. They support global teaching capacity and seed excellence and innovation in the next generation of educators. They also founded the Global Teacher Prize to shine a spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world. For further details: About UNESCO UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Hamdan awards $1m to Saudi teacher for educating kids with disabilities
In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence presented the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, valued at $1 million, to Saudi teacher Mansour Al Mansour. The ceremony, held during the World Governments Summit 2025, was attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that education is the cornerstone of civilisation, and a key driver of all development efforts. Knowledge and its role in shaping the future are the main enablers of nations' future building endeavours, he noted. Sheikh Hamdan said: 'The role of teachers goes beyond transferring knowledge. It includes inspiring new generations through knowledge, creativity and motivation, as well as innovative experiences, to persevere and actively engage in building the future.' Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour, a teacher at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi School in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, has volunteered over 3,000 hours helping his community, including transforming the lives of hundreds of gifted orphans, and was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries around the world. Now in its ninth year, the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organised in collaboration with UNESCO, is one of the world's most prominent awards. The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. Since its launch, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe. On winning the Global Teacher Prize 2025, Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour said: 'Thank you to GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO for this incredible honour. It is humbling to be recognised among such remarkable educators from all around the world. Through this powerful new platform, I hope to uplift the lives of many more children in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances, and I will continue to work towards breaking barriers so that no young person is left behind.' Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, said: 'Congratulations to Mansour on winning the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025. Your inspiring journey is a true reflection of your passion, dedication, and the life-changing power of education.' Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: 'UNESCO is proud to support the Global Teacher Prize, which honours the dedication and impact of teachers worldwide. In a time of global teacher shortages, challenging conditions and technological advances, recognising and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies.' Since 2001, Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour has been teaching in low-income neighbourhoods, supporting students facing academic challenges, including those with disabilities, learning difficulties, and children from illiterate families. He also helped his students take part in the 'Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative', aimed at empowering low-income students by equipping them with entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy training to become financially independent. In collaboration with charitable organisations, Mansour provided interest-free loans of SAR500 per student to establish small businesses (kiosks), with students earning between SAR1,300-1,500 within two months. One student now owns a small business, generating a stable income of SAR1,500-2,500 monthly. Beyond his work with students, Mansour supports other teachers. He has authored more than 21 books on education, including subjects like innovative teaching and professional ethics, and provided over 300 training hours to educators across the Gulf region. Mansour's contributions have been so impactful that he was appointed as an international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, where he travels across Gulf countries sharing his expertise and training teachers. The top 10 finalists for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025 were Brett Dascombe from Australia; Céline Haller from France; Erick Hueck from the US; Karina Sarro from Argentina; Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati from India; Muhammad Nazmi from Malaysia; Ramón Majé Floriano from Colombia; Subash Chandar K from New Zealand; and Tionge Mtambo from Malawi. Teachers applying for the Global Teacher Prize are assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, impact the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens, improve the teaching profession, and gain recognition from external bodies. The World Governments Summit 2025 convenes over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations and 140 government delegations. Its agenda features 21 global forums exploring major future trends and transformations, over 200 interactive sessions with more than 300 prominent speakers—including presidents, ministers, experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers—and over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables attended by more than 400 ministers. The Summit will also publish 30 strategic reports in partnership with its international knowledge partners.
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
School kitchen to $1 million UAE teacher award: Saudi educator hopes to build institute for orphans
An educator from Saudi Arabia who began his career teaching students from a humble school kitchen has been honored with this year's GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize. Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour has transformed his school into one of the country's top 10 learning environments for gifted orphans. His impact, however, goes far beyond the classroom. Mansour has also tutored prison inmates, helping them gain literacy skills that led to their reduced sentences. A teacher at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, KSA, he has dedicated over 3,000 volunteer hours to uplifting disadvantaged students and orphans. His remarkable contributions have earned him the prestigious $1 million award in the ninth edition of the prize, the largest of its kind. Selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications across 89 countries, Mansour was announced as the winner at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Thursday. He said: 'Thank you to GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO for this incredible honour. It is humbling to be recognised among such remarkable educators from all around the world. Through this powerful new platform, I hope to uplift the lives of many more children in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances, and I will continue to work towards breaking barriers so that no young person is left behind.' Financial literacy initiatives, training teachers Since 2001, Mansour has worked in low-income neighborhoods, supporting students with learning disabilities and academic struggles. He has connected students with top talent centers, introduced mentorship programmes with King Faisal University professors, and set up an innovation incubator to nurture entrepreneurial ideas, leading his students to win global accolades. He has also played a key role in financial literacy initiatives. Through the Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative, he has helped low-income students launch small businesses, providing them with interest-free loans of 500 SAR. Many students now earn between 1,300-2,500 SAR per month, with one successfully running a profitable small business. Beyond students, he has co-founded multiple charitable and educational organisations, including the Qabas Educational Association, which has provided literacy programmes for over 3,250 learners. Positively impacting prisoners' lives Outside of his official duties, Mansour runs a programme for prison inmates, helping them learn to read and write, offering them a second chance in life. His tutoring has led to reduced sentences for several prisoners. The Saudi national also plays a vital role in supporting fellow educators. He has authored over 21 books on education, covering topics such as innovative teaching methods and professional ethics, and has delivered more than 300 training hours to teachers across the Gulf region. His impactful contributions earned him the role of international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, allowing him to travel across the Gulf, sharing his expertise and training educators. How will he use the prize money? Mansour now plans to use the $1 million Global Teacher Prize to build a school for gifted orphans, ensuring they receive the best education under one roof. His dedication to education has also earned him the role of international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, where he continues to train and inspire educators across the Gulf. What is the Global Teacher Prize? The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. Since its launch, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe. Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education, and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, said, 'Congratulations to Mansour on winning the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025. Your inspiring journey is a true reflection of your passion, dedication, and the life-changing power of education.'
