Canadian youth short listed for C’wealth awards

22 Years Canadian youth, Ms Priya Verma have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2015 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. Ms Priya Verma has pioneered an innovative, cost-effective technology to preserve and increase precious underground water by harvesting rainwater. Her ‘Increasing Underground Water Resources’ project has global potential and educates young people on environmental issues. A 2009 International Diana Award recipient and 2010 UN Outstanding Youth Achiever, Priya also founded the CYWE, which aims to engage young people in activities that improve the environment and protect natural resources in their communities.According to a press release from Commonwealth Secretariat, London. the candidate is among sixteen extraordinary young people from across the Commonwealth competing for the award which recognizes outstanding young people under age 30.

The regional finalists from countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean, were chosen for their work in diverse fields such as the environment, gender equality, education and youth entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Director of Youth at the Commonwealth Secretariat Katherine Ellis, said young people throughout the Commonwealth are creating and leading projects that have real and tangible impact.

In addition to a cash prize, trophy and a trip to London to meet Commonwealth leaders, winners will be given the opportunity to develop valuable networks and contacts.

The winners will be announced on 10th March in London during Commonwealth Week, when the pan-Commonwealth winner will also be revealed.

Commonwealth Week is celebrated by young people, schools, communities and civil society organizations every year in March.

The occasion is marked across the Commonwealth with a range of activities – including a multi-faith observance at Westminster Abbey in London on Commonwealth Day, on 9 March.