DHAKA: A total of 16 young people from across The Commonwealth have been shortlisted for the 2013 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development by innovative projects that have made a significant difference to their communities and countries.

The projects range from providing youth employment and job creation initiatives, protecting the environment through innovative ideas in waste management, empowering persons with disabilities and women in rural communities, and leadership through peer education.

The finalists are from Bangladesh, Barbados, Canada, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Mozambique, New Zealand, Pakistan, Rwanda, Samoa, Solomon Islands and South Africa, selected from 296 nominations.

Each of the finalists will receive £1,000 and assistance with developing their projects.

Of the 16 finalists, one young person from each of the four regions: Africa and Europe; Asia; the Caribbean and Canada; and the Pacific - will be named a regional finalist and receive an additional £2,000.

One of the four regional finalists will take the overall prize of Pan-Commonwealth winner and receive an additional £2,000.

The regional and Pan-Commonwealth awards will be presented in London on October 16, 2013, at a special ceremony in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development were re-launched in 2012 to highlight the positive contribution which young people aged 15-29 are making to the development of Commonwealth countries. It is run by the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP).

Katherine Ellis, Director of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth said: “These awards showcase the brilliance and the diversity of what young people are doing in The Commonwealth, and what a valuable contribution they are making to development. These 16 finalists are deeply inspiring young people who truly deserve accolades and recognition for the outstanding development work they are doing.”

Source: allafrica.com
BDST: 1728 HRS, SEP 26, 2013
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