Meet Boluwatife Arowosafe, the 14 year-old Nigerian girl, who wins the Princess Diana Award, being the most prestigious award any young person aged 9 – 25 could won.
Late Princess of Wales, Lady Diana was a darling of sorts, who warmed her way into the hearts of people all over the world for the passion she had for social action and humanitarian work. Without doubt, this was a cause she fervently and diligently pursued until her demise in August 1997.
In memory of her, the Princess Diana Award was birthed in 1999 by the British Government, who wanted to continue the Princess Diana’s legacy by establishing a formal way to recognise young people who were going above and beyond the expected in their local communities.
This year, 14-year-old Boluwatife Arowosafe, a Nigerian student of Olashore International School, Iloko, Osun State Nigeria emerged one of the winners of The Diana Award for championing projects in child rights, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in her local community. Arowosafe threw her weight behind “Our Voices Have to be Heard”, a project she initiated with her classmate Adjwoa Awe, a co-winner of The Diana Award, to raise awareness of children’s rights and abuse.
The winners, considered a source of hope for the future, were personally chosen by Prince Harry and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Speaking at the virtual awards ceremony, Prince Harry said that, ‘’It is disheartening that around the world today; division, isolation and anger were dominating, bringing pain and trauma to the surface.
“But I see the greatest hope in people like you and I am confident about the world’s future and its ability to heal because it is in your hands.”
Prince Harry added that in the face of all the negative occurrences globally, Boluwatife and other young winners inspired hope for the future.
Through the initiative ‘Healing Every Living Person’, (H.E.L.P.) with a mandate to combat poverty and lack of opportunities by equipping 16 to 21-year-olds with life skills and entrepreneurial training, Arowosafe’s project had been expanding from the school into communities, offering hope to more than 100 young people, with free skills training and education, turning many away from crime.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of The Diana Award, Tessy Ojo, congratulated the winners of the award, describing them as change-makers of their generation.
“We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens.” She added.
Every year young people across the world who have made notable contributions to the society are recognised, appreciated and celebrated by the award, especially those who are young ambassadors, young leaders, young humanitarians, fund raisers, environmental campaigners, peer mentors, sports leaders, and those who inspire others.
The Award is the most prestigious accolade a young person aged 9-25 can receive for their social action or humanitarian work.
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