The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Winners of this prestigious Award will receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they will collect their Award from Her Majesty The Queen. With this support, Award winners will be expected to continue and develop the amazing work they are already doing in their communities.
As well as awarding inspirational young people, Queen’s Young Leaders Grants will be made to organisations in selected Commonwealth countries that can show they are improving the lives of young people.
The 2015 cohort of Queen's Young Leaders includes One Young World Ambassadors PJ Cole, Kellyn George, Nondumiso Hlophe, Karuna Rana, Alain Nteff, Jean d'Amour Mutoni and Mallah Tabot. You can watch PJ Cole speak in the Peace & Security Plenary Session of the One Young World Summit 2015 here:
The winning One Young World Ambassadors in 2016 are:
Nushelle De Silva, Sri Lanka
Nushelle works on peace and reconciliation projects having been deeply affected by her country’s civil war. She uses the arts to generate dialogue between ethnically diverse young people and in 2012 founded Building Bridges, a series of weekly arts workshops, to encourage dialogue between young people in recently rehabilitated communities. She is currently completing a PhD in architectural history, focusing specifically on the relationship between built space and the politics of its construction. Nushelle believes that designers who can think critically about these areas can play a vital role in processes of post-war reconstruction and she uses her academic training to faciliate discussions on these topics.
Angelique Pouponneau, Seychelles
Angelique co-founded the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) Youth AIMS Hub Seychelles, which works to preserve the environment. The sustainable development of small islands is particularly important to Angelique and her organisation has successfully helped to teach young people about the role they can play in caring for their homeland. The group is currently running a Seychelles Free from Plastic Bags campaign. Angelique was also elected as a speaker of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly where she has raised awareness of the importance of including young people in decision making. Angelique hopes to increase access to education, information and training to the LGBTI+ community to help improve their access to economic services.
Shamelle Rice, Barbados
Three years ago Shamelle founded Jabez House, an NGO provides vocational training and entrepreneurial opportunities to female sex workers in Barbados. Over 50 women have gone through the programme and Jabez House has worked with another 300 sex workers during its weekly outreach programme. In 2014, Shamelle started a weekly mentorship programme at the juvenile detention facility for girls, to provide them with a support system when they leave.
Regis Burton, Antigua & Barbuda
Regis is the founder of Nolan Hue Inc., a non-profit organisation which focuses on the professional development of young people. Regis believes in inspiring young people to reach their potential and offers assistance in interview techniques and public speaking. In addition the group provides college scholarships to promising students and hosts young professional networking events. In the future he would like to build a Nolan Hue Foundation Community Centre, which would include a Caribbean and African history library and would offer free English and Maths tuition.
Kelly Lovell, Canada
Kelly aims to bridge the gap between young people and the community by leading projects that encourage youth engagement and leadership development. She currently leads YOU Effect, a global youth media network which shares stories from influential role models to mentor young leaders. She also runs My Effect, a social network that provides a platform for young people to find leadership and volunteer opportunities that match their interests and tracks their real-time impact.
Tijani Christian, Jamaica
He currently works on an initiative called Plant Jamaica, which aims to promote sustainable livelihoods through community farms. The NGO was formed to encourage people to grow healthy produce for their families; as well as to keep their communities clean and tidy. He is also trying to launch an initiative called Commonwealth Emerging Leaders Connect, which will bring young leaders from across the Commonwealth together to share knowledge and ideas.
