Melecio Tito Mamani

Melecio Tito Mamani, a dedicated teacher from the rural Ayacucho region of Peru, has redefined the boundaries of education through innovation, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his community. As principal and teacher at Educational Institution No. 24218, Melecio has pioneered transformative projects that address challenges unique to rural schools, including poverty, malnutrition, and low educational attainment among students and parents. 

In 2015, Melecio launched the groundbreaking “Poccoray” project, a holistic initiative integrating food security, environmental sustainability, and pedagogy. He implemented school-based agricultural activities, including a guinea pig farm and vegetable garden, to combat child malnutrition and educate students on self-sufficiency. This project earned national acclaim, winning first place in Peru’s Good Food Practices competition and gaining international attention at the 7th International Congress on School Food for Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Melecio’s innovative teaching extends beyond nutrition. The “Yachachinapaq Pusanakuy” initiative introduced co-teaching and systematic teacher training, elevating instructional quality and earning first place in the Ministry of Education’s Good Teaching Practices contest. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melecio developed the “Golden Minutes” program, teaching parents basic literacy and numeracy to better support their children’s virtual learning. This initiative gained national recognition and was celebrated as a life-changing practice for families in need. 

Melecio’s efforts have led to exceptional classroom outcomes. Internal assessments reveal that most students achieve satisfactory or outstanding levels of performance, a significant feat for a rural, multigrade school. His ability to attract urban students—now comprising 56% of the school’s enrolment—has reversed the trend of rural-to-urban migration and made his school a sought-after institution. 

Beyond the classroom, Melecio actively engages with his community, fostering cultural pride and environmental stewardship. He revived traditional dance through the “Devotees of the Virgin of Poccorina” initiative, which has become a celebrated feature of the region’s patronal festival. To address climate change, Melecio integrates sustainability into the curriculum, teaching waste management, organic farming, and environmental awareness. 

Melecio’s influence extends to professional development, where he shares his methodologies with peers. His “clinical approach” to developing competencies has been institutionalized, offering teachers practical strategies to improve student learning. As a lifelong learner, Melecio has pursued advanced education, earning a doctorate and teaching at universities, while inspiring others to view teaching as a noble and transformative profession. 

Recognized for his impact, Melecio has received accolades including the prestigious Palmas Magisteriales award and being a finalist in Peru’s “Teacher Who Leaves Footprints” competition. His work exemplifies the potential of education to transform lives, communities, and futures, making him a deserving contender for the Global Teacher Prize. 

Melecio’s journey demonstrates that with innovation, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, even the most remote and under-resourced schools can become hubs of excellence, achievement and hope.