Vladimer Apkhazava on his Incredible Success
On February 21, the Varkey Foundation announced the list of the ten finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. Vladimer (Lado) Apkhazava, a teacher of civics from the small village of Chibati in the Lanchkhuti Municipality of the region of Guria of Western Georgia is among them. Apkahzava is more of a philanthropist rather than an ordinary teacher, as he puts unimaginable effort to help his students in studies, as well as in other aspects, including ameliorating their living conditions. The winner of the contest will be revealed on March 24, 2019, and awarded with an impressive prize worth of $1 million.
GEORGIA TODAY contacted Apkhazava to get his impressions on this incredible success.
“We watched the announcement on TV earlier this morning and I can barely express how it felt to hear my name. My family were absolutely thrilled. It took a while to sink in and then we went to school, where everyone was just as excited.”
Apkhazava noted that it is not his achievement and that obtaining recognition across the world is also vital for the entire country of Georgia.
“I am frequently asked whether I get tired of my work. I don't really focus on my fatigue, as I always remember our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for their homeland: I have no moral right to complain about being tired or facing difficulties,” he told us.
The teacher strongly emphasized the contribution of his teachers, counterparts and students to his triumph and praised them for their support.
“It is extremely important to appreciate the hard work and help of others. I listened to the advice of my former teachers who shared their experience, took them into account and applied new approaches towards my pupils. I would certainly not have been able to achieve this success without their encouragement” he said.
Apkhazava also spoke about his dedication to Georgia.
“I am unconditionally happy to be even a tiny part of the success of Georgia. I feel glad that I can somehow help my school, my community and my homeland and present them to the rest of the world.”
If he wins the final, Apkhazava plans to use the prize to support the improvement of facilities in other schools of Georgian regions.
By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya
Image source: imedinews.ge
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Vladimer Apkhazava Makes Top 10 for $1mln Global Teacher Prize