Rouble Nagi Bags $1 Million Global Teacher Prize 2026

In a powerful moment for global education and grassroots innovation, Indian educator and artist Rouble Nagi has been named the winner of the prestigious $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026, recognising her two decades of transformative work bringing education to marginalised communities across India. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, placing the spotlight on a teacher who has reimagined classrooms beyond traditional walls.

Chosen from more than 5,000 nominations across 139 countries, Nagi’s selection celebrates a vision that merges art, education, and community empowerment — a model that has already helped more than one million children access formal schooling.

Rouble Nagi: From Abandoned Walls to Living Classrooms

At the heart of the Rouble Nagi Global Teacher Prize 2026 story is a bold idea known as the “Living Walls of Learning.” Instead of waiting for children to come to classrooms, Nagi took education to the streets — literally.

Through vibrant, interactive murals painted on neglected urban and rural walls, she created open-air classrooms teaching literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These spaces are not mere public art installations but functional learning hubs where children engage with lessons while communities become active participants in education.

What began as a creative experiment has evolved into a nationwide movement that challenges traditional assumptions about where and how learning can happen.

Building a Network of Opportunity Across India

Working through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), Nagi has established more than 800 learning centres across over 100 underserved communities and villages. These centres provide structured learning environments for children who have never attended school while also offering remedial education, emotional support, and creative enrichment for those already enrolled in formal education.

Her programmes are designed to meet children where they are — academically, socially, and economically. Flexible schedules support working children, while hands-on learning methods use recycled materials and real-life problem solving to make education relevant and accessible.

As a result, many communities have witnessed dramatic changes, including a dropout reduction exceeding 50% and sustained improvements in school retention.

Rouble Nagi: A Recognition of Courage, Creativity and Compassion

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation, described Nagi as an example of teaching at its most powerful.

He noted that her work demonstrates how education can reshape not just individual futures but entire communities by strengthening families and opening pathways to opportunity.

UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini also praised Nagi’s achievements, highlighting the transformative role teachers play in protecting children’s right to learn, dream, and build a meaningful future.

Teaching in Challenging Realities

Nagi’s classrooms often operate in environments shaped by poverty, child labour, early marriage, irregular attendance, and limited infrastructure. Instead of viewing these realities as obstacles, she designed educational approaches that integrate with everyday life.

Her model includes mentoring more than 600 trained volunteer and professional educators, ensuring the scalability and sustainability of her initiatives. By prioritising emotional safety and community engagement alongside academic progress, she has helped children rediscover confidence and curiosity.

Plans for the Future: A Skilling Institute for the Next Generation

Following her Rouble Nagi Global Teacher Prize 2026 win, Nagi has announced plans to establish a Skilling Institute funded by the prize money. The institute will offer free vocational training and digital literacy programmes, aiming to equip marginalised children and young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The initiative seeks to extend her impact beyond foundational education, preparing learners for the demands of an increasingly digital world.

An Artist with a Global Footprint

Beyond education, Nagi is an internationally recognised artist and urban renewal pioneer. Through her foundation and design studio, she has created more than 850 murals and sculptures and participated in over 200 exhibitions worldwide. She was the first artist invited to exhibit at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, and her work is included in the President of India’s permanent collection.

Her numerous honours include the Jijamata Award, GR8 Award, MAP Noble Artist Award, and the HELLO! Urja Award — accolades that reflect her commitment to blending creativity with social impact.