By Isaac Mites
If there is any youth in country that has played an important role in developing the country through bettering lives of the less privileged, it is Esther Kalenzi, the leader of the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation. And for her effort she has been nominated in the Commonwealth Youth Awards along with another Ugandan youth, Catherine Nakitende, who has fought global warming through her Kingfire Energy Solutions company.
Esther Kalenzi, 26, has been improving access to education for orphans and children from poor families, through her youth-led charity 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation. Kalenzi’s organisation, which has helped over 700 vulnerable children, spearheads income generating projects in slums and uses social media and social events to raise funds and resources to mobilise volunteers.
On the other hand, Nakitende Catherine, 24, started Kingfire Energy Solutions in November 2013, to provide a cleaner and cheaper alternative to coal and tackle problems such as deforestation, waste management, limited access to energy and respiratory diseases. Created with a capital of just 1000 UGX, the innovative business, which benefits poorer communities, won the SEED Initiative Africa Award in 2014.
They will battle with other two innovative youth from Nigeria and Tanzania for the award. Winners will be announced on 10th March and given a huge cash prize, a trophy and a trip to London to meet Commonwealth leaders.
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