Queen, Harry honour 3 young ‘SA leaders of change’

THE queen presented young people from South Africa with a Queen’s Young Leaders Award at Buckingham Palace in London, honouring Chantelle De Abreu, Aditi Lachman and Farai Mubaiwa for their work in sport, science and social engagement.

Prince Harry joined the queen in congratulating the winners at this special ceremony.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Awards programme, now in its third and penultimate year, celebrates the achievements of some of the most exciting young change-makers from across the Commonwealth, who are all dedicated to transforming lives in their communities.

From tackling bullying head-on in schools to preserving the environment and promoting gender equality, these young people are taking the lead in driving change in their communities.

Guests including Sir Mo Farah, singer Liam Payne, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, TV presenter Anita Rani and former UK Prime Minister and chairperson of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, Sir John Major, joined the latest cohort of Queen’s Young Leaders at Buckingham Palace to congratulate them on their achievements.

The celebrations continued after the ceremony at Australia House in London, where the award-winners, guests including Australian comedian and presenter Adam Hills, and Prince Harry came together to help launch the search for the final Queen’s Young Leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Harry said: “At home and abroad, I see people – especially young people – doing incredible things… They are creative and innovative, and most importantly, they’re committed to making the world a better, more optimistic and compassionate place. That’s why I am honoured to welcome this year’s award winners here tonight.

“The Queen’s Young Leaders award recognises what these incredible young people have achieved, not for themselves, but for others – for their peers, their communities, their environment and for those less fortunate.”

Sir Mo Farah said: “It’s so great to be here with the Queen’s Young Leaders today! Their passion and dedication to helping people’s lives in their home countries is amazing. You can really see how much change these young people have made through their hard work.”

Liam Payne said: “Meeting the Queen’s Young Leaders today as they receive their award from the queen has been amazing. It’s really inspiring to meet people my age doing such important work to help people in the ways they are. It’s an honour to be part of their celebration.”

Alexander Downer AC, Australian high commissioner to the UK, said: “I am delighted to welcome these exceptional young people from 36 Commonwealth countries to Australia House this evening. The leadership these talented Queen’s Young Leaders have shown, and the lasting difference they are making in their communities, is inspiring.

“I’m particularly proud that this year there are three Queen’s Young Leaders from Australia. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all of the Queen’s Young Leaders this evening.”

South African award-winner Farai Mubaiwa, said: “I am very honoured to be a member of the Queen’s Young Leader family. It has been empowering to be in the presence of inspiring young leaders from different parts of the world, and to learn from one another.

“After receiving this award, I am certain our lives will never be the same. We will use our knowledge, networks and new opportunities to make an even greater impact in our respective homes. We are the leaders of today.”

The Queen’s Young Leaders programme was established in 2014 to help talented young leaders realise their potential and achieve even greater success in the future that will benefit people’s lives across the Commonwealth for generations to come.

As part of the awards programme, Queen’s Young Leaders, including South Africa’s Chantelle De Abreu, Aditi Lachman and Farai Mubaiwa, gain access to training, mentoring and networking designed to improve their leadership skills.

Ahead of receiving their awards, this year’s winners attended a reception at 10 Downing Street, visited UK headquarters of global social media company Facebook, and met with senior executives at the BBC World Service.

They also met the Commonwealth secretary-general, took part in workshops at the University of Cambridge, had meetings with UK business leaders, and visited projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK.

The search for the 2018 Queen’s Young Leaders is now on and applications are invited. If you or someone you know is doing exceptional work in their community, apply or nominate them at www.queensyoungleaders.com

Christina Cullen, International Media Relations, and Sarah Fagan, UK Media Relations.