Rabat – Messaoud Ariba, a Moroccan teacher, was honored on Saturday in New Delhi at the 2024 Global Teacher Awards, an annual event celebrating educational excellence on a global scale.
Ariba, a professor at Ibnou Aachir School in Taroudant, stands as the sole representative from the Arab world and North Africa among the winners of this year’s edition.
He earned this prestigious recognition from thousands of applicants worldwide during an event organized by AKS Education, an education research organization based in India.
In an interview with MAP, Ariba expressed his pride and gratitude for the award, which he attributes to 25 years of dedication to improving education.
He sees this recognition as a well-deserved acknowledgment of the collective efforts of educators in Morocco working to advance the sector.
“For me, this is not just about personal achievement but about honoring the incredible work of all those shaping education in the country,” he shared.
“Since 1998, I’ve worked on enhancing the learning experience, especially in mathematics. I’ve always believed that math should be engaging, not intimidating. That’s why I developed ‘Math Kids,’ a project that turns math lessons into theatrical plays, helping children learn through play,” he added.
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Ariba’s innovative approach aims to make mathematics more relatable and fun for young learners.
“Many children find math daunting, almost like a monster,” he said. “With ‘Math Kids,’ we show them that math can be fun and interactive. We use theater to make abstract concepts come to life in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.”
Beyond mathematics, Ariba also adapted the primary school scientific activity curriculum into a series of three 45-minute plays, designed for two different grade levels.
He firmly believes in the power of theater as a tool for learning, seeing it as a means to stimulate curiosity, foster creativity, and strengthen students’ problem-solving skills.
The Global Teacher Awards recognize teachers who have shown excellence in education across all subjects, making a lasting impact on their students and communities.
These awards bring attention to exceptional teachers from around the globe, underlining their vital role in creating a more connected and inspired society while shaping the future of the next generation.
Moreover, this recognition also stands as a proud moment for Morocco, showcasing the country’s dedication to educational innovation.
