The Queens young leaders announced that two young people from Malawi are among 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community. These 60 young people will receive a prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
The Award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016, and is part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.
This year’s Award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.
18 year old Asante Mzungu from Lilongwe has been selected in recognition of his work to ensure young people benefit from education. 21 year old Madalo Banda from Zomba has been acknowledged for setting up Loud Ink, which addresses social issues through creative writing.
Asante Mzungu said: “In 2013 I began a project distributing books, stationery and uniforms to a primary school with more than 2,000 students. Two years later I started working for Malawi Youth Agents of Change, which aims to help young people from disadvantaged households to acquire entrepreneurial and leadership skills. I’m so honoured to be a part of the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme.”
The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over the next three years the Programme will support thousands of young people to achieve their goals.
Dr Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said: “Once again 60 incredible young people from around the Commonwealth have shown strength, leadership, empathy and drive. Some of our winners are just embarking on their leadership journey and others are more established. Either way, we recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people’s lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live.”
To see a full list of Award winners and Highly Commended runners up, and read more about their stories please visit www.queensyoungleaders.com
