Dominic Orina, a 34-year-old teacher at Kugerwet Primary School in Bomet County, is making waves in education.
He has been shortlisted among 50 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Global Teacher Award, a recognition that comes with a life-changing $1 million (approx. Sh129 million) prize.
This award celebrates extraordinary educators who transform lives within their schools and communities, and Dominic’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and compassion.
Cultivating Creativity Through Gardening
Since joining Kugerwet Primary in 2017, Dominic has tackled the challenges facing his students with creative solutions. One of his standout initiatives is a sustainable gardening program that addresses both nutrition and education.
Recognizing a scarcity of vegetables and fruits in the tea-dominated region of Bomet, Dominic introduced gardening techniques using recycled materials like sacks and containers.
Students now grow their own vegetables and rear rabbits, integrating agricultural lessons with practical skills.
The impact goes beyond the classroom. He works with parents to set up kitchen gardens at home, fostering self-sufficiency and encouraging financial literacy through the sale of surplus produce.
Empowering Through Compassion
Dominic’s ‘Dress Me Up Initiative’ has brought smiles and confidence to over 150 students by providing them with new uniforms.
This initiative also supplies sanitary towels and learning materials, ensuring that underprivileged children have the tools they need to succeed.
In the classroom, Dominic leverages technology to make learning engaging.
Using tablets loaded with storybooks, he enriches his English lessons, building literacy and communication skills. His focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity helps students thrive in and outside the classroom.
Championing Sustainability on a Global Scale
Dominic’s influence extends far beyond Bomet County. Through social media and workshops, he shares sustainable farming techniques with over 475,000 members in his Facebook group, offering free gardening advice to a global audience.
A passionate advocate for environmental conservation, he engages students in tree-planting initiatives and water-saving practices, equipping them with skills to address climate challenges.
His work has even caught the attention of Kenya’s First Lady, who invited him to contribute to a nationwide school meals program.
The Road to Global Recognition
Dominic’s nomination for the Global Teacher Award puts him in the spotlight alongside the world’s most inspiring educators.
This accolade, previously won by Kenya’s Peter Tabichi in 2019, showcases his unwavering dedication to transforming education and uplifting communities in Bomet County.
Whether through gardening, technology, or advocacy, Dominic Ming’ate Orina is not just shaping students’ futures—he’s planting seeds of change that will impact generations to come.
