Two inspiring young Nigerians, Amara Nwuneli and Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar, were crowned champions at the 2024 Global Good Awards! They received the prestigious Canon Young Champion of the Year Award for their outstanding work tackling critical issues.
Climate Change Warrior: Amara Nwuneli
Amara, the Under 17’s category winner, founded “Preserve Our Roots,” a youth-led NGO dedicated to climate education and action. Witnessing the devastating floods in her hometown of Lagos ignited Amara’s passion. She mobilized to help rebuild damaged schools and advocated for climate education in underserved communities.
“I’m more than just an activist,” Amara declared. “I represent the natural world and our ancestors. I’ve witnessed the power of youth to create change, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”
Championing Women’s Health: Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar
Sharing the Under 25’s award is Shri Akshayaa Lakshmikumar, the founder of HERglobal. This international non-profit fights the stigma surrounding women’s health, particularly cervical cancer. HERglobal empowers women through education, free screenings, and HPV vaccinations, primarily focusing on rural Ugandan communities. Their reach is rapidly expanding as they advocate for accessible and inclusive healthcare.
Jahaan Arora Honored for Hunger Initiative
Another young leader recognized was Jahaan Arora, receiving a special commendation. Jahaan launched the “1 Million Meals” program, mobilizing 6,000 children to collect grain and provide meals for 1,000 orphans in his Indian village. His dedication to fighting hunger was deeply inspiring.
Celebrating Youth Changemakers
The Canon Young Champion award, now in its fifth year, celebrates the incredible work of young leaders across the globe. The winners received a Canon EOS R50 Content Creator Kit and a masterclass on storytelling to help them further amplify their initiatives.
“Canon is committed to supporting young changemakers,” said Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon Young People Programme. “This year’s finalists showcased incredible solutions to local and global issues. We’re proud to collaborate with the Global Good Awards to recognize their achievements.”
This year’s awards ceremony took place in London, honoring these and other outstanding individuals and organizations making a positive impact on the world.