Emirati teacher in running for $1m global prize takes pride in ‘raising generations’

Moza Al Hafiti has embraced technology and innovation to engage learners

UAE teacher Moza Al Hafiti has been named on the shortlist for the $1m Gems Education Global Teacher Prize. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An Emirati teacher in Fujairah has been nominated for a global award with a $1 million prize thanks to her use of technology in the classroom.

Moza Al Hafiti, who teaches Islamic studies at Zayed Education Complex in Dibba, Fujairah, was included in the top 50 shortlist for the Gems Education Global Teacher Prize, organised in collaboration with Unesco.

Ms Al Hafiti has always been passionate about learning. “You are raising generations. It is the greatest contribution you can make to your country and humanity,” the UAE University graduate and Cycle One teacher said.

Using technology to encourage children to learn is something that Ms Al Hafiti is passionate about. “If lessons are more interactive and students are encouraged to be part of the lesson plan and teaching, they will be more engaged and interested in learning,” she said.

Among her innovations is a prayer mat that has prayer steps narrated by pupils. She also introduced a Young Teacher programme, encouraging students to teach lessons and help their peers, rather than the traditional route of sitting in class and listening to a teacher explaining everything. She has also helped students design and present workshops.

During the Covid-19 pandemic she also developed what she describes as an online library, recording all her lessons and uploading them online for students to access.

Moza Al Hafiti with her pupils at Zayed Educational Complex, Dibba, Fujairah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ms Al Hafiti was selected from more than 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries. The Global Teacher Prize was launched in 2014 to highlight the important role teachers play in society.

“I feel proud to be able to exchange experiences and ideas with teachers from all over the world," she said. “This award is not just an honour but rather an incentive for further work and continuous development so that I can provide the best for our students."

Ms Al Hafiti has already earned numerous accolades, including the Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Distinguished Teacher, the Sharjah Award for Distinguished Teacher and the Khalifa Educational Award. If she wins the $1 million prize, she hopes to continue her master's degree and doctorate, while coming up with more ideas for the classroom.

“The 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," said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize and chairman of the Varkey Foundation, the non-profit arm of Gems Education.

The shortlist of 50 will now be whittled down to a final shortlist of 10, which will be announced later this month. The overall winner will be announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai from February 11 to 13.

“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," said Stefania Giannini, Unesco assistant director-general for education. “Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies.”