OSINT SUMMARY
18th February 2016, a Kenya De-radicalization teacher has been shortlisted for a $1 million prize.
The teacher identified as Ayub Mohamud teachers at a school in the Somali dominated Eastleigh, a suburb of Nairobi Kenya.
Ayub Mohamud who teaches business and Islamic studies also gives classes against violent extremism. Mohamud is one of the ten finalists up for $1m (£690,000) prize for the world’s best teacher.
Mohamud teaches at a school with history of recruiting ground for the Islamist jihadists.
In 2013, Kenya’s National Intelligence Service warned that the Somali based Al-Shabaab had been recruiting in Eastleigh High School.
Since entry of Kenyan troops in Somalia, Al-Shabaab has staged several terror attacks though in the past few months, Kenya’s security agents have scale-up operations to counter the insurgents.
Speaking to BBC reporter, Ayub Mohamud said he has been having De-radicalization classes for the last five years in his religious education classes (Islamic lessons).
Mohamud told the reporters that he believes teachers can contribute immensely in global efforts against terrorism.
Mohamud classes are vital, equipping students with critical thinking skills and confidence will help them reject extremist’s demands and counter jihadists’ ideology.
The award was set up by the Varkey Foundation, the charitable arm of the Gems international education firm. The second winner of the Gobal Teachers prize will be announced on March 13, 2016.
The first winner of $1m prize in 2015 was a U.S. teacher named Nancie Atwell.
