Tanzanian student Arjun Kaur Mittal has made history by being selected as one of the top 50 students worldwide competing for the prestigious Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025.
This international award recognizes students who have made significant contributions to education, community, and social development.
The prize, which offers a reward of $100,000 (approximately 250 million Tanzanian Shillings), is a collaboration between Chegg.org and the Varkey Foundation, aimed at honoring the exceptional efforts of students globally.
Arjun, a student at North London Collegiate School in Dubai, was chosen from over 11,000 applications submitted from 148 countries, representing Tanzania alongside two other students from Dubai, Dalia Zidan and Wiktoria Blazik.
This award is often compared to the Global Teacher Prize, which celebrates innovative educators, but it specifically focuses on students. Since its inception five years ago, it has served as a platform to elevate young individuals who are driving change both inside and outside the classroom.
Arjun has been praised for his initiatives, including websites, mobile apps, and a social platform that supports youth in mental health, effective learning, and self-confidence. Through his educational and mental health blog, he has reached over 12,000 readers worldwide, while his Instagram platform attracts more than 130,000 users monthly. Additionally, he has launched a program to teach debate and leadership skills to students in public schools with special needs in Tanzania, aiming to impart critical thinking and public speaking skills essential for modern leadership.
In a special interview, Arjun expressed his pride as a Tanzanian, emphasizing that his achievements reflect the values and foundations of his community. He believes that these successes are not solely his own but serve as proof that African youth have the potential to change the world.
Nathan Schultz, the CEO of Chegg Inc., praised the three students from Dubai, highlighting their commitment to not just dreaming of a better world but actively working towards it.
Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, remarked that the stories of Arjun and his peers illustrate how education can be a powerful tool in addressing the world's significant challenges. Beyond his social accomplishments, Arjun excels academically, having engaged in research on mental health, technology, and youth, with support from various global organizations, including his family's Mount Meru Millers Group Limited based in Tanzania. During a special event in Ras Al Khaimah celebrating selected students, Arjun was honored as a representative of East Africa and Tanzania on an international platform.
The top ten finalists for the Global Student Prize are set to be announced in August 2025, with one winner revealed later this year by a panel of renowned global experts. This award is open to all students aged 16 and above enrolled in accredited educational or vocational training institutions, including those studying online. Currently, the eyes of Tanzanians and the global education community are on Arjun Kaur Mittal, a young Tanzanian proving that the boundaries of success are limitless for those with determination, knowledge, and a spirit of dedication.