Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales have launched a search to find exceptional young people from Fijiand across the Commonwealth who will receive an award from Her Majesty The Queen.
As part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, young people between the age of 18 and 29 from all backgrounds and all Commonwealth countries are to be rewarded for their achievements in transforming their own lives and those around them and supported to go further.
Thisunique, new initiative recognises that young people have the ability to make a huge impact on their communities. The Programme aims to create new and exciting opportunities for young people, enabling them to reach their full potential, step up as leaders and go on to improve the lives of many others in the Commonwealth.
On behalf of The Queen, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry launched the search at a reception which included the first ever social media hub to be installed at Buckingham Palace. They took part in a Google Hangout connecting them live to inspirational young people who are already doing great work in four Commonwealth countries and tweeted a picture of themselves to help spread the message that #TheSearchIsOn.
At the event, The Duke of Cambridge said: “The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is intended to find young leaders who have determination,and to equip them with the tools to succeed.
“The Commonwealth is uniquely placed to do this work, as it reaches 53 countries and embraces a range of leadership styles. The search is on for The Queen’s Young Leaders.”
Prince Harry added: “The young leaders of today have the greatest opportunity of any in our historyto reach out across the Commonwealth and affect change on a global scale.
“For many people the community in which they live is their world – we must start there in supporting those who will change our community, our Commonwealth and our world.”
Lockie Cooke from Australia took part in the Google hangout with the two Princes. After noticing the lack of understanding between Australians and indigenous cultures, Lockie set up the Indigenous Communities Education and Awareness Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that aims to encourage young Australians to take an active role in promoting reconciliation by increasing awareness of, and respect for, indigenous cultures.
Lockie Cooke said; “Connecting with aboriginal philosophy has enriched my ability to become a better leader. This is why I am proud to support The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme. This programme will support inspirational young people to continue the amazing work they are doing and in turn, help to change the futures of others.”
The life changing Programme has been established by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and is run in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society to honour The Queen’s 60-year contribution to the Commonwealth.
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Sir John Major, Chairman of the Trust said: “We wish to identify and nurture the talent of the younger generation across the Commonwealth. We’re inspired by the belief that one talented individual can be a positive force for good within their communities.”
Over the next five years, at a time when the Commonwealth is home to the largest generation of young people ever in its history – over 1.3 billion of a total 2.2 billion citizens – The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme will support thousands of young people to make their visions of a better society a reality.
Young people from Fijican apply or be nominated to win an award and become a Queen’s Young Leader from Wednesday 9 July – 10th October 2014. Visit www.queensyoungleaders.com for more information. #TheSearchIsOn.
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