Rouble Nagi, a Mumbai-based artist and social activist, has won the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026, often hailed as the Nobel Prize in education. This remarkable educator has been transforming neglected walls into vibrant, interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, hygiene, and environmental awareness, bringing education to marginalized communities in India .
The Power of Art in Education
Rouble Nagi: The Visionary Educator Transforming India’s Slums into Classrooms
Rouble’s innovative approach, known as “Living Walls of Learning,” has helped bring over 1 million children into the formal education system. She has established more than 800 learning centers across 100 underserved communities and villages, reimagining abandoned walls as interactive educational murals that spark curiosity and engagement.
Teaching Methods
The Power of Art in Education
Rouble’s teaching model addresses the profound challenges of India’s urban slums, including poverty, irregular attendance, inadequate infrastructure, and social barriers such as child labor and early marriage. Her approach includes:
- Flexible Schedules: Accommodating working children and those with irregular attendance
- Vocational Skills: Providing practical skills that demonstrate immediate value to families
- Creative Learning: Using recycled materials to foster critical thinking and academic success
Impact
Rouble Nagi, Global Teacher Prize 2026 winner
Rouble’s programs have reduced dropout rates by over 50% and significantly improved long-term school retention. Her work has also transformed community attitudes toward education, empowering families and communities.
Personal Life and Achievements
Rouble Nagi, born in Jammu & Kashmir, is a trained artist from the Slade School of Fine Art in London. She has exhibited her work in over 200 shows worldwide and has been honored with several awards, including the Jijamata Award, GR8 Award, MAP Noble Artist Award, and the HELLO! Urja Award .
Future Plans
Rouble plans to use the $1 million prize money to build a Skilling Institute, offering free vocational and digital literacy training to transform the life chances of millions more marginalized children and young people .
Rouble Nagi’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of education and creativity in transforming lives and communities.
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