Diana award and star praise for activist Dev
TEENAGER GIVEN HONOUR FOR CAMPAIGNING TO END FOOD POVERTY
A YOUTH MP and activist has been honoured with a Diana Award for his humanitarian efforts.
Dev Sharma, a 15-year-old from Rushey Mead, won the award on July 1 after years of campaigning to end food poverty in the UK.
The Rushey Mead Academy pupil said: “It was all so surreal and I owe everything to my parents who have supported me all the way through this journey.”
His win comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a U-turn on his decision to end free school meal vouchers for the summer holiday period.
Footballer Marcus Rashford made headline news after his open letter about free school meals to the government – but for Dev Sharma and his peers, the decision was a huge win after campaigning for a fairer food system for the past three years.
A Diana Award is recognised as one of the highest accolades a young person can receive for social action.
Dev said: “Diana was an activist herself, she always saw young people had power to change the world.”
He received the award on his mum’s birthday - and said the award meant more to her than it did to him.
Dev is part of the Bite Back campaign which aims to improve the food system to benefit young people and a Food Ambassador for the UK
Parliament. Having worked alongside a number of high-profile figures in the last three years, Dev received numerous messages of praise. A special message was sent from Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, an activist against climate change and someone the teenager has worked with.
She described him as “absolutely extraordinary” as she recalled watching him address government ministers about food poverty.
Chef Jamie Oliver also praised the young change-maker, saying: “Congratulations on this incredible achievement Dev, I am absolutely thrilled to see you receive this award.
“Your work to demand a better, fairer, and healthier food system for everyone, no matter their background or where they live, is truly incredible.”
HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS: Dev Sharma, from Rushey Mead, outside 10 Downing Street
Dev and his peers’ next challenge is to “revolutionise the food industry” by campaigning for long-term change.
He said: “Activism can be a slow journey and there are highs and lows.
“This is definitely a massive high and to any young people who think their voice is too small, it really isn’t.
“Campaigns by young people really do get heard.”
Your work to demand a better, fairer, and healthier food system for everyone is truly incredible
Jamie Oliver