Rwandan geek Nancy Sibo has been announced as one of 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community.
Rwandan geek Nancy Sibo has been announced as one of 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community.
The 22-year-old will receive a prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
The award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016, is part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme that celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.
"In 2014, I was named the first ever Miss Geek in Rwanda for an app I developed called ‘Mobile Cow’. The app helps farmers to monitor the estrous cycle of their cows,” Sibo said.
"I also founded the Miheha bag initiative, which uses recycled plastic drinking straws to create products such as handbags, earrings and belts. As well as being environmentally friendly, the project enables vulnerable women to make an income for themselves. I am so honoured to be part of the Queen’s Young Leaders programme. ”
This year’s award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.
The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
Over the next three years, the Programme will support thousands of young people to achieve their goals.
In a statement, Dr Astrid Bonfield, the chief executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said: "Once again 60 incredible young people from around the Commonwealth have shown strength, leadership, empathy and drive. Some of our winners are just embarking on their leadership journey and others are more established.
"Either way, we recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people’s lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live.”
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