Sixteen extraordinary young people from across the
Commonwealth have been shortlisted for the prestigious
2015 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in
Development Work.
The awards recognise outstanding young people under 30
whose development projects and programmes have had
significant impact on their communities, countries and
across the globe.
The regional finalists from countries in Africa, Asia, the
Pacific and the Caribbean, were chosen for their work in
diverse fields such as the environment, gender equality,
education and youth entrepreneurship and empowerment
.
Katherine Ellis, Director of Youth at the Commonwealth
Secretariat, said: ‘Young people throughout the
Commonwealth are creating and leading projects that have
real and tangible impact. The work of our incredible finalists
is proof that young people are integrally involved in the
process of change, and not simply passive beneficiaries of
development.’
In addition to a cash prize, trophy and a trip to London to
meet Commonwealth leaders, winners will be given the
opportunity to develop valuable networks and contacts.
Regional winners will be announced on 10 March in London
during Commonwealth Week, when the pan-Commonwealth
winner will also be revealed.
Commonwealth Week is celebrated by young people,
schools, communities and civil society organisations every
year in March. The occasion is marked across the
Commonwealth with a range of activities - including a multi-
faith observance at Westminster Abbey in London on
Commonwealth Day, which is on 9 March this year.
The 2015 Commonwealth theme is ‘A Young
Commonwealth’. It recognises the capacity, contribution and
potential of young people, who form over 60% of the
Commonwealth’s population, and the vital role they play in
nation building.
The finalists for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Awards for
Excellence in Development Work are:
