Despite ongoing global challenges, OYW Ambassadors continue to make waves in their countries and communities. Over the past week, Ambassadors have created top virtual campaigns, been a signatory to a constitutional amendment, and launched new initiatives.
Have some news to share? The Community Team would love for you to get in touch via [email protected].
Kimron Corion
Grenada
Grenada's tourist-dependent economy has been hit hard by Covid-19 travel restrictions. As Communications Manager for the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Kimron is working to boost local tourism, most recently launching its "Just For You" campaign. Kimron also helped create the #GrenadaDreaming campaign which was recognised as the top virtual campaign worldwide by RoughGuides.com.
Innandya Irawan
Indonesia
Innandya contributed to an inspiring event organised by Sustainable Ocean Alliance, a youth-led organisation that empowers Millennials to become leaders in preserving the health and sustainability of oceans. Innandya shared her work with CarbonEthics, an NGO that focuses on educating, reducing and offsetting carbon emissions of individuals and institutions.
Emerson Salguero
Guatemala
Emerson has been nominated for the Guatemalan Award, an initiative of Universales that recognises, year after year, outstanding Guatemalans who have crossed barriers and contributed to the improvement of their society. The founder of "Involucrate", Emerson works to create networks for youth involvement, citizen participation and democracy, improving the electoral process and informing on the national situation.
Learn more about the award and vote below:
Tabata Amaral
Brazil
Tabata was a signatory to a transformational Constitutional Amendment. The Fund for the Development of Basic Education (FUNDEB) is the main source of funds for elementary and high school education and will allocate R $ 168 billion in 2020 to public basic education institutions.
Kehkashan Basu
Canada
Kehkashan Basu was selected as one of ten global sustainable future leaders on the '2020 UN Global Sustainable Leaders, Companies and Brands 100' list. Kehkashan was featured alongside global environmentalist Greta Thunberg and promising molecular biologist Miranda Wang.
Shakira Choonara, Mpho Manyisa
South Africa
Dr. Sharika Choonara and Mpho Manyisa have been listed on the Mail & Guardian's list of the 50 most powerful women in South Africa. The project is intended to recognise outstanding individuals who are shattering ceilings, redefining what it means to be successful and speaking out about the injustices in their communities and beyond.
Ayano Sasaki
Japan
On 15 August, THE LEADS ASIA hosted an online forum on the theme of War & Peace. The event, which was hosted by Ayano Sasaki, received 25 participants from 11 countries to share inherited historical memories regarding the war in their respective communities.
The day marked the National Liberation Day for Korea, India's Independence Day, and Japan's Memorial Day for the end of World War II.
François Reyes
France
François Reyes started a new position as Defence Policy & Capabilities Trainee at NATO. Alongside this, François is also the Managing Director & Founder of Young Enough Ambition, a non-profit which helps young people to develop their own sustainable initiatives by providing them with long-term support, funding, access to a world-class network and workshops.
Vincent Egunlae, Jessica Garbett
United Kingdom
Jessica Garbett and Vincent Egunlae have been selected as UK Social Mobility Awards 2020 'Rising Star' finalists. The UK Social Mobility Awards have a mission to make the advancement of social mobility a key part of how organisations are run in the United Kingdom.
Hussain Manawer
United Kingdom
In partnership with Hackney Empire, Hussain Manawer launched Compulsory Subjects, a free educational programme for the next generation of arts activists and entrepreneurs. The programme ran for 5 days and included a number of talks given by inspirational speakers, including OYW Ambassador Fatima Zaman, Dhillan Bhardwaj, Jade Matthews and Ahmed Hussain.
Catherine Clements
United States
Catherine Clements was recognised by the Pittsburgh Business Times' 30 Under 30 list. The award honours 30 young professionals in the Pittsburgh region who are making a difference and excelling in their careers.
Breshna Musazai
Afghanistan
Breshna has been featured in a documentary called 'The Longest War' around 9/11 and US interference in Afghanistan. A student turned activist after being shot by the Taliban, Breshna's mission now is to educate Afghanis and allow more young people in the country to go to school and become educated about the country’s complicated political picture.
Melusi Simelane
Eswatini
Homosexuality is illegal in Eswatini and many LGBT+ people living in the country face societal discrimination and harassment.
Melusi Simelane has created a petition which calls on the government to decriminalise same-sex intimacy between consenting adults. Learn more and sign below:
Various Ambassadors
Colombia
Seven Ambassador from Colombia took part in Semana de la Juventud 2020, the National Youth Week celebrations hosted by the Tenjo Mayor's Office and the Youth Coordination. Watch their week of inspirational stories below -
Media Coverage
Mary Helda Akongo
Uganda
Jenifer Colpas
Colombia
Shona Brown
United Kingdom
