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RAMALLAH. — A Palestinian female teacher on Sunday won $1 million in Global Teacher Prize 2016 for her work in schools in the Palestinian territories.

Hanan Al-Hroub (43), who works at Samiha Khalil High School in the town of Al-Bireh near Ramallah in the West Bank, has been living in a refugee camp near Bethlehem, where she was regularly exposed to acts of violence.

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in front of a large white screen to watch Al-Hroub being awarded the Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize 2016 at a ceremony taking place at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai.

When Al-Hroub was announced the winner after she competed in the final primaries with ten other teachers from all over the world, the crowds in Ramallah’s main square clapped with loud applause.

“I’m proud to be a Palestinian female teacher standing on this stage. I accept this as a win for all teachers in general and Palestinian teachers in particular,” Al-Hroub told reporters. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said in Ramallah that “winning the prize is a new Palestinian national achievement.”

“Al-Hroub hasn’t only given us optimism and hope, but also proud as she grabbed the title. — Xinhua.