Orina shortlisted for the Global Teachers Award.

Dominic Ming’ate Orina is a 34-year-old teacher who has gained significant popularity among his online fans, particularly through his engaging Facebook page. 

He has been recognized as a transformative force in education, as noted in an article published on globalteacherprize.org. 

Since his appointment in 2017, Orina has utilized the power of education to uplift communities, combining innovation, resilience, and compassion to tackle the challenges faced by his students and community. 

His impactful work has earned him this recognition. In an update on his Facebook page, Orina announced: 

“Overwhelmed and honored to let you know that I have been shortlisted for the top 50 of the 9th GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE! This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of my amazing people, like you. Keep me in your prayers to carry the trophy home by the end of the competition🏆🙏 My students, parents, teachers, and the entire community, let us share this blessing. Improving people’s lives through education is our priority. Glory be to God.” 

Peter Tabachi, a science teacher who won the award in 2019, congratulated Orina on his X.com account, stating: 

“Congratulations to all the 2025 Top 50 Global Teacher Prize Finalists! Special applause to Dominic Ming’ate Orina from Kenya for transforming lives through innovative teaching, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment.”

Dominic’s dedication has also attracted the attention of national leaders, including Kenya’s First Lady, who invited him to contribute to a nationwide school meals program.

Upon arriving in Bomet, Orina recognized a significant lack of vegetables and fruits in a region dominated by tea farming, which negatively impacted the community’s nutrition and his livelihood. 

With limited land access, he devised a creative solution by using recycled materials such as sacks and containers to grow vegetables. 

He introduced this innovative gardening approach to his students, integrating it into their agriculture lessons. 

Dominic’s students engage in both theoretical and practical learning, cultivating vegetables and keeping rabbits on school grounds. 

The harvest is shared among students, promoting improved nutrition at home. 

Beyond the classroom, Dominic collaborates with students and parents to establish kitchen gardens, encouraging self-sufficiency and financial literacy through the sale of surplus vegetables. 

These efforts have significantly enhanced community nutrition, with children proudly showcasing their homegrown produce.

He employs a learner-centered, collaborative teaching style that combines traditional and digital methods.

In English lessons, he uses tablets loaded with digital storybooks, greatly improving students’ reading and communication skills, particularly in English. 

Group activities in the garden and classroom foster teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills, while hands-on learning encourages deep understanding and creativity.

Through annual vegetable gardening exhibitions, Dominic connects his students with diverse audiences, nurturing their global citizenship skills. 

He is also working to establish international student exchange programs, broadening his students’ horizons and preparing them for an interconnected world. 

Additionally, he integrates climate education into his projects by emphasising water conservation, soil protection, and organic farming. 

His innovative use of recycled materials for gardening and promotion of tree planting underscore his commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Dominic equips his students with the necessary skills and mindset to combat climate challenges by practising and teaching sustainable methods.

His efforts have transformed his school into a beacon of innovation and hope. 

His students consistently excel in agriculture projects, and their enhanced discipline, responsibility, and academic performance reflect his positive influence. 

Recognised by national media and educators around the globe, Dominic is setting new standards in teaching, demonstrating that education can be a powerful tool for societal change.

His work exemplifies how one teacher’s vision and dedication can create a ripple effect, improving lives and inspiring future generations.

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