Mumbai Teacher Who Turned Slum Walls Into Classrooms Wins the $1 Million Global Teacher Prize 2026
Indian teacher and artist Rouble Nagi has won the 2026 Global Teacher Prize — the largest education award on Earth, worth $1 million — for her decade-long mission to bring schooling to children who have never set foot in a classroom.
From Slum Walls to Open-Air Classrooms
Nagi is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which uses art, murals, and creative teaching methods to make learning engaging and accessible. Starting about ten years ago in the slums of Mumbai, she transforms walls and neglected urban spaces into vibrant open-air classrooms where children learn literacy, numeracy, science, and history through colourful, interactive murals.
Her foundation has established more than 800 learning centres across India, helping children who have never been to school as well as those struggling to keep up. She has trained and mentored over 600 volunteer and paid educators to deliver lessons tailored to each child's academic level and social circumstances.
🎨 Rouble Nagi by the Numbers
- 800+ open-air learning centres across India
- 2+ million children reached
- 600+ educators trained
- $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026
- 10th recipient of the prize since 2015
Tackling the Root Causes
Nagi's programmes are designed to tackle the real barriers children face: poverty, child labour, early marriage, irregular attendance, and lack of basic facilities. She introduced flexible schedules, practical lessons using recycled materials, and skill-based teaching that benefits both children and their families.
Beyond her work with children, Nagi also runs the Misaal India initiative, providing skill training for women to gain financial independence and start their own businesses.
"Art Is the Most Powerful Language"
The award was presented at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Accepting it, Nagi said the recognition motivates her to continue supporting children at the margins of society. She plans to use the prize money to establish an institute providing free vocational training for students.
"She represents the very best of what teaching can be — courage, creativity and compassion," said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education.
💡 Why This Story Matters
In a world where 250 million children are out of school, Rouble Nagi proves that the answer doesn't always require expensive buildings or technology. Sometimes it just takes a wall, some paint, and a teacher who refuses to give up. Her model — art-based, community-driven, free — is being replicated across India and could work anywhere.
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