Dominic Orina

Dominic Ming’ate Orina, a 34-year-old teacher at Kugerwet Primary School in Bomet County, Kenya, exemplifies the power of education to uplift communities. Since his appointment in 2017, he has combined innovation, resilience, and compassion to address challenges faced by his students and community, his impactful work earning him recognition as a transformative force in education. 

Arriving in Bomet, Dominic identified a widespread lack of vegetables and fruits in a region dominated by tea farming, a scarcity affecting the community's nutrition and his own livelihood. With limited land access, he devised a creative solution—using recycled materials such as sacks and containers to grow vegetables. He introduced this innovative and successful gardening approach to his students, integrating it into agriculture lessons. 

Dominic’s students learn both theory and practice, cultivating vegetables and keeping rabbits on school grounds, the harvest shared among students, fostering improved nutrition at home. Beyond the classroom, Dominic collaborates with students and parents to establish kitchen gardens, promoting self-sufficiency and financial literacy through surplus vegetable sales, significantly improving community nutrition, with children proudly showcasing their homegrown produce. 

Dominic's "Dress Me Up Initiative" provided over 150 students with new uniforms, boosting their self-esteem and school attendance. With support from online followers and well-wishers, this initiative also supplies sanitary towels and learning materials to underprivileged students.  Addressing these barriers, Dominic has ensured more children stay in school and thrive academically. 

He employs a learner-centred, collaborative teaching style combining traditional and digital methods. He integrates technology into English lessons using tablets loaded with digital storybooks, significantly enhancing students' reading and communication skills, particularly in English. Group activities in the garden and classroom encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, while practical, hands-on learning fosters deep understanding and creativity. 

Beyond teaching duties, Dominic is a community leader and global advocate for sustainable agriculture, sharing his expertise via workshops, social media platforms, and a Facebook group with 475,000 members, where he offers free gardening advice. His dedication has caught the attention of national leaders, including Kenya’s First Lady, who invited him to contribute to a nationwide school meals program. 

Through annual vegetable gardening exhibitions, Dominic connects his students with diverse audiences, nurturing their global citizenship skills. He is also working to establish international student exchange programs, broadening his pupils’ horizons and preparing them for the interconnected world. He integrates climate education into his projects by emphasizing water conservation, soil protection, and organic farming. His innovative use of recycled materials for gardening and promotion of tree planting highlight commitment to environmental stewardship. Practicing and teaching sustainable methods, Dominic equips his students with the skills and mindset to combat climate challenges. 

His efforts have transformed his school into a beacon of innovation and hope. His students consistently excel in agriculture projects, and their improved discipline, responsibility, and academic performance reflect his influence. Recognized by national media and educators worldwide, Dominic is setting new standards in teaching, demonstrating that education is a powerful tool for societal change. His work exemplifies how one teacher’s vision and dedication can create a ripple effect, improving lives and inspiring future generations.