The Secretariat of the Commonwealth Organization has announced that entries are open for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for the 2021 prestigious titles and cash grants.
The window is opened for young leaders within the 54 commonwealth countries through the five regional categories. The award seeks to recognize exceptional young people, whose works have made a major impact on people and communities.
Judges will choose 20 finalists who will each receive a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 in cash. Also, of the 20, five regional winners will be chosen and awarded an additional £2,000.
The finalists and regional winners will be announced during the Commonwealth week in March 2021. There will be an overall winner who will receive the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2021, and total cash prize of £5,000.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely created an unprecedented health challenge, unavoidable disruption to work, training and education, and a future full of uncertainty.
“Without a strong, global response, young people could be staring down the barrel of decades of poverty, unemployment alongside the social upheaval that comes with economic setbacks.
She said the awards would recognize contributions of young people in these turbulent times. “It will highlight the powerful and positive impact they are making in their communities, countries and across the globe.”