Pictorial: Kenyans in Ontario celebrate Madaraka Day by awarding youth
Photography by Essie Wambui
Over 200 Kenyans & friends of Kenya, sponsors and well-wishers came together on Saturday June 4 in Mississauga Ontario, to celebrate Kenya’s 53rd Madaraka Day.
The fundraising dinner event, organized by the Kenya Community in Ontario Women’s Forum (KCOWF) also marked the inaugural Youth Awards.
The Kenya High Commissioner to Canada & Cuba Amb. John Lanyasunya presided over the event.
Almas Jiwani, President-Emeritus UN Women Canada and CEO of Almas Jiwani Foundation delivered the Keynote speech.
Also in attendance was Director & Founder of City College of Business, Health & Technology Unna Fuller-Fletcher who recently gave a $6000 scholarship towards a personal support worker (PSW) course; and representatives from Double Diamond Resorts (USA) which contributed $ 1000 towards the KCOWF scholarship fund.
Besides celebrating Madaraka day and fundraising for the KCOWF Scholarship Fund, the other focus of the evening was recognition of exemplary youth within the Kenyan community. Throughout the evening, from entertainment to speeches, the theme was on young people, highlighting their contribution and qualities to be nurtured.
12 youth awarded in 9 categories
According to KCOWF, this awards celebrates youth that exemplify the 3Rs (Respect, Responsibility, and Role of Leadership) through initiatives that enhance skills.
In a statement to Wakenya Canada, organizers of the ceremony said they hoped that awarding youth excellence would promote a positive image of young people and highlight their valuable contribution to society.
The KCOWF Scholarship Fund is given to students within the Kenyan Community who have just completed high school and are joining a college/university. Since it was launched, the Fund has awarded eight scholarships totaling $8000.
~Wakenya Canada