By Staff Writer, Lusaka
The founder of the 'Sani Foundation', which supports the inclusion of people with learning disabilities in society, Michelle Chimuka was crowned winner of the 'Commonwealth Point of Light Award'.
The daily Points of Light award recognizes outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.
As Commonwealth leaders come together to address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, each volunteer chosen as a
Commonwealth Point of Light is recognised for making a
contribution to tackling some of these challenges in their
communities and beyond.
From better access to youth and skills education, healthcare
and mental health support to habitat conservation and
improved community security, Commonwealth Points of
Light are fundraising, awareness raising and problem
solving heroes whose actions have changed and saved
lives.
Michelle received the award on 7th March in an International Women’s Day-themed presentation by Fergus Cochrane-Dyet OBE, UK High Commissioner in Zambia.
High Commissioner congratulated Michelle on her award and all the great work that she's been doing at Sani Foundation.
Michelle, whose brother has Down’s Syndrome, established the Foundation in 2014 and has led the design of the ‘Sunshine Zambia Project’, which provides training and education to young adults with learning disabilities in preparation for employment and independent living.
The Foundation has also run a number of awareness raising initiatives, including launching a film festival in April 2016 in
Lusaka, featuring people with learning disabilities and challenging the stigma they face in society.
Meanwhile, Michelle said she was happy to receive the award.
“I am happy to be recognized, and appreciated and cannot thank you
enough for this recognition,” she said.
Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, has since thanked inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
One outstanding volunteer from each of these countries will be recognized with a Commonwealth Points of Light award running up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April.
Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, has since thanked inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
One outstanding volunteer from each of these countries will be recognized with a Commonwealth Points of Light award running up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April.
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