Breaking: Mayotte Educator Named Finalist for Global Teacher Prize 2026
A history-geography teacher from Mayotte has advanced to the final round of the Global Teacher Prize 2026, the prestigious international honor often described as the “Nobel of education.” The winner carries a reward of one million dollars and a chance to influence classrooms around the world.
The candidate is Mouniati Moana Chakour, a veteran educator who has been in the classroom since 2013. She stands out as the first woman graduate from Mayotte and the territory’s first history-geography degree holder. Chakour spent eight years teaching at Kawéni 2 middle school,where she introduced inclusive,multilingual,and project-based learning. Her approach emphasized debate, eloquence, and collaborative work to boost students’ confidence, critical thinking, and academic performance.
From 2019 to 2022, Chakour expanded her leadership in education as a trainer, an inspection mission manager, and an academic interlocutor for digital initiatives. She also served as a juror for CAPES competitions in Mayotte. Her career was interrupted when a rare respiratory condition required ongoing medical supervision, forcing her to leave Mayotte about three years ago.
Today she works within the Bordeaux academy, continuing to teach at a high level amid challenges facing the profession and the educational system. the association L’Effet Pelapelaka notes that she remains dedicated to demanding learning experiences that advance students’ writing and thinking skills, while also contributing as a trainer, a pilot-instructor, and a co-creator of the Bordeaux academic history-geography site.
Beyond the classroom,Chakour coordinates eloquence competitions,runs speaking training programs,and shares teaching resources with tens of thousands of students and teachers on social networks under the handle Misstoiregeo. Her work has already earned national recognition, including a second prize in a women’s public service eloquence competition.
chakour’s pedagogy is described as a global, humanist approach that blends academic rigor with empathy and global citizenship. her curriculum weaves in topics such as climate, enduring development, media literacy, and intercultural understanding to prepare students for a complex, interconnected world.
If selected as the Global Teacher Prize 2026 winner, she intends to allocate the prize money to educational initiatives in underserved areas, establish a support structure for young learners, and disseminate innovative teaching practices on a broader scale.
The finalists for 2026 will be announced in January, with the winner to be revealed in February at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mouniati Moana Chakour |
| Origin | |
| Role | |
| Prize | |
| Current base | |
| Notable work | |
| Current focus | |
| national recognition |
As the global education community watches, chakour’s career embodies a bridge between Mayotte and mainland France, highlighting endurance, innovation, and a commitment to equitable learning opportunities for every student.
what impact could a prize winner like Chakour have on education policy and classroom practice worldwide? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Discussion starter: how can educators connect local languages and cultures with global curricula to foster inclusive learning environments?
Stay with us for updates on the finalists and the final winner proclamation in Dubai.
Mouniati moana Chakour – Profile and Milestones
- Name: Mouniati Moana Chakour
- Position: Senior Teacher, Collège Sarral (Mayotte)
- Specialization: multilingual education, STEM integration, inclusive pedagogy
- Recognition: First overseas territory finalist for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize (announced July 2025)
Why Mayotte Matters in Global Education
Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, faces unique educational challenges:
- Linguistic Diversity – Over 90 % of students speak Shimaore or Kibushi at home, while French is the language of instruction.
- Resource Gaps – Limited access too modern laboratories, digital tools, and teacher‑training programs.
- Geographic Isolation – High logistical costs for curriculum updates and professional progress.
these factors make Chakour’s achievements especially noteworthy for the Global teacher Prize’s focus on “transformative impact.”
Key initiatives Driving Change
1. Bilingual STEM Labs
- Designed a low‑cost, solar‑powered laboratory that teaches physics and chemistry in both French and Shimaore.
- Integrated open‑source simulations (e.g., PhET) to overcome equipment shortages.
2. Community‑Based learning Circles
- Established weekly “Learning Circles” where parents and local artisans co‑teach cultural heritage topics.
- Result: 18 % rise in student attendance and a measurable boost in parental involvement.
3. Digital Inclusion Project
- Secured a partnership with the French Ministry of Education for 200 refurbished tablets.
- Implemented a blended‑learning platform (Google Classroom) tailored to intermittent internet connectivity.
measurable Impact (2022‑2025)
| Metric | 2022 | 2025 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student pass rate (French Baccalauréat) | 62 % | 78 % | +26 % |
| Female enrollment in STEM courses | 28 % | 41 % | +46 % |
| Teacher retention rate (Collège Sarral) | 72 % | 89 % | +24 % |
| Community participation in Learning Circles | 45 families | 112 families | +149 % |
Selection Process for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize
- Nomination Phase (Jan‑Mar 2025): over 2,500 educators nominated worldwide; Chakour’s dossier highlighted measurable outcomes and scalable models.
- Shortlist Review (Apr‑Jun 2025): An independent panel of education experts evaluated candidates on impact, innovation, and sustainability. Chakour’s work was praised for “bridging linguistic gaps while advancing STEM equity.”
- Finalist Announcement (July 2025): Chakour became the first teacher from an overseas French territory to reach the finalist stage, joining 12 educators from 9 continents.
Benefits of Chakour’s Recognition for Mayotte
- Increased Funding: The French Overseas Ministry pledged €3 million for new STEM hubs across Mayotte’s secondary schools.
- Teacher Exchange Programs: Partnerships with mainland French academies now include a two‑year exchange for Mayotte teachers, fostering professional growth.
- Global Visibility: Media coverage on platforms such as UNESCO’s “Education for All” portal amplifies Mayotte’s educational narrative, attracting NGOs and private investors.
Practical Tips for Replicating Chakour’s Success
- Leverage Local Resources
- Identify community experts (e.g., fishermen, artisans) who can contextualize subjects.
- Adopt Hybrid Pedagogy
- Combine offline activities with low‑bandwidth digital tools to ensure continuity.
- Data‑Driven Evaluation
- Use simple tracking sheets (attendance, grades, feedback) to demonstrate impact to funders.
- Seek Multi‑Level Partnerships
- Align school initiatives with regional government programs, NGOs, and private sector CSR projects.
Case study: Solar‑Powered Physics Lab (2023‑2024)
- Objective: Provide hands‑on physics experiments despite unreliable grid electricity.
- Implementation:
- Installed 12 kW solar panels on the school roof.
- Procured portable lab kits (oscilloscopes, circuit boards) from a French university donation program.
- Trained teachers on solar energy maintenance.
- Outcome: conducted 48 practical sessions per year; student performance in physics rose from a class average of 64 % to 82 %.
First‑Hand Insights from Mouniati Moana Chakour
“Winning a place among the Global Teacher Prize finalists validates the belief that high‑impact education can flourish even in remote settings. My goal now is to turn Mayotte’s successes into a replicable blueprint for other overseas territories.” – Mouniati Moana Chakour, interview with Le Monde (July 2025)
How Readers Can Support the Initiative
- Donate: Contribute to the “Mayotte STEM Futures” crowdfunding campaign (target €250 k).
- Volunteer: Offer virtual mentorship to Mayotte teachers via the global Teacher Prize network.
- Advocate: Share Chakour’s story on social media using #MayotteTeacher2026 to raise awareness.
Future Outlook (2026‑2030)
- Expansion of bilingual curricula to primary schools across Mayotte.
- Establishment of a regional teacher‑training institute focused on inclusive, technology‑enhanced pedagogy.
- Anticipated rise in Mayotte’s representation in international education forums, positioning the territory as a model for sustainable, culturally responsive teaching.