The brainchild behind Valuraha Group, Wangechi Mwangi, has recently been nominated for the Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development work 2016; among five other finalists in the Africa region. This award goes to individuals in their youth, who are making a positive contribution/impact in a community or country.

 

Wangechi’s Valuraha group, a startup incubated at Strathmore’s @ILabAfrica Research Centre, was started with the sole purpose of providing financial literacy to young students around the country. Just recently, the group in conjunction with Strathmore School of Finance and Applied Sciences (SFAE) hosted high schools for an investment challenge that saw two students win full scholarships to join Strathmore University for a course of their choice.

 

The Commonwealth awards are set to demonstrate the organizations plan of action for youth empowerment to: Promote youth participation in decision making: Promote economic empowerment of young people: Take action for equality between young women and young men: Promote peaceful and democratic environment in which human rights flourish: Provide quality education for all Improve access to information and communication technology: Promote health, development and values through sport and culture: Engage young people to protect the environment.

 

The winner will be awarded £1000.00 pounds to contribute to their development work, a trophy and a certificate from the Commonwealth Secretary-General H.E Kamalesh Sharma.

 

 

Congratulations Wangechi for being a Commonwealth Youth Awards Regional finalist 2016.