Source : www.mapexpress.ma
24/11/2016
Mr. Raphael Obonyo, New Leaders for Tomorrow 2014, has been nominated UN Person of the year
Former UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board member is runner-up UN Person of the year
Nairobi, 31 October 2016-Raphael Obonyo, a Youth from Korogocho Slums in Nairobi, has been named the Runner-Up in the 2016 UN Persons of the Year for his contribution to youth empowerment
In an announcement by the UN Information Centre (UNIC) Obonyo was feted for being an influential voice of African youth to policy makers. He has served as a member of the UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board, and remains audible in critical circles of influence. He is Global Young Diplomat, a 2014 Crans Montana New Leader of Tomorrow and an Emerging Leader with the German Marshall Fund of the United States. In 2015, Obonyo was named one of the Most Inspirational Youth in Africa. He is a nominee for the 2015 UN Nelson Mandela Award, and 2015 Global Youth Voice, and a finalist for the Business Daily’s 40 under 40 Top Men in Kenya.
He was born and raised in Korogocho, the third largest informal settlement in Kenya, an unforgiving environment, where poverty and poverty related problems strip people especially the youth of their dignity. Obonyo’s strongest passion has always been to create opportunities for young men and women, to realize their full potential and he have co-founded a number of youth empowerment organizations and programs.
The 2016 UN Persons of the Year award winner is selected based on their commitment towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The award to Raphael is not only celebrates his achievements as a youth, but it is also about the story of his struggle for opportunities. The award is a clear signpost that youth are leaders of today, and not only he future. This award shows that youth is not only about “lack”, but it is about “potential” – vision and action for social progress and development. The award affirms that youth are not only a population with problems, or pose problems, but youth are the solution, and that youth have the power to solve problems in our communities, country, continent and the world.
“I am grateful to the United Nations for their continued support to youth endeavors. Most importantly, to UN-Habitat, the agency that gave me a rare opportunity to represent and serve the youth, stated Raphael, a former member of UN Habitat Youth Advisory Board. The award demonstrates resilience, and speaks to youth’s highest aspirations –in the face of unimaginable difficulties, we can beat the odds, change the shape of history and create a better future for ourselves and for others,” Obonyo said.
Source : unhabitat.org
Mrs. Ewura Adwoa Kyei Apaw Badu, New Leader for Tomorrow 2016
Ewura Adwoa Kyei Apaw Badu appointed to the Prestigious Crans Montana Forum
A Senior Pharmacist of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Mrs. Ewura Adwoa Kyei Apaw Badu has been appointed as a member of the Prestigious Crans Montana Forum of New leaders for Tomorrow. Ewura who is popularly known as Shantel is the Executive Director of the EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative. Mrs Kyei Apaw Badu who will be a member of this organization for the next three years was selected because of her proven record as the Executive Director of the EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative an organization that have been supporting needy adolescent girls from deprived communities in Ghana to stay in school by delivering reproductive health education and providing access to quality, feminine hygiene products in order to curb the high rates of menstruation-related absenteeism among school aged girls in their puberty. She joins a unique group of young leaders who are expected to address the main challenges of the 21st century to shape the new global agenda as far as the implementation of the South-South cooperation is concerned. Crans Montana Forum is a Swiss owned international Organization established in 1986 whose number one goal is to build a more humane and impartial world. The notable members of this group include Donald Kaberuka, the former President of the African Development Bank, Civil rights movement icon Rev Jesse Jackson,Dr Ezanetor Agyemang Rawlings among others. ‘‘Being appointed is a big inspiration for our efforts to raise the important issue of menstruationrelated absenteeism among school aged girls in their puberty,reproductive health issues and access to quality, feminine hygiene products and sanitation facilities for girls. EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative is already collaborating with the Procter and Gamble,World of Children Awards and parts of the United Nations System and being appointed is a confirmation that what we are trying to achieve is essential,” says Mrs. Ewura Adwoa Kyei Apaw Badu. The EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative is an award winning initiative that have been supporting needy adolescent girls from deprived communities in Ghana to stay in school by delivering reproductive health education and providing access to quality, feminine hygiene products in order to curb the high rates of menstruation-related absenteeism among school aged girls in their puberty. Not only does the initiative provide them with high quality feminine hygiene products so they can remain in school and complete their education, they are also empowered to break the cycle of poverty and to place value upon womanhood.Its holistic approach incorporates Menstrual Health Management education and provide access to water, private toilets and sanitary products without which most girls decide to stay home from school during the duration of their period.
Source : ModernGhana.com