Global Teacher Prize winner Keishia Thorpe met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica on 20 January, to discuss her work to open paths to higher education and employment for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Prime Minister Holness congratulated Keishia on her win, and thanked the Varkey Foundation for its work to improve the status of teachers worldwide. The prime minister also stressed the importance of teachers having a voice in national education policymaking, and education's role in improving life chances for children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
The meeting with the prime minister was part of Keishia's first visit to Jamaica, the country where she was born, after winning the 2021 Global Teacher Prize last November. During her visit, Keishia also met with Jamaica's ministers of education, sports and foreign affairs as well as with journalists and civil society groups. She was accompanied by her sister, Trisha Thorpe, and Varkey Foundation Head of Advocacy and Analysis Nicholas Piachaud.
During their visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit Nathan Grant High School, where Global Teacher Prize Finalist Tracy-Ann Hall works, and speak to the teaching staff and students.
Watch
Global Teacher Prize Winner Keishia Thorpe meets President Andrew Holness of Jamaica.
20 January 2022 • Footage: Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica