Anomaa is one of three National Finalists from Asia. She is founder of Agenda 14, which supports freedom of speech in Sri Lanka. She helps young people to engage with peacebuilding and youth empowerment through film documentary, which allows for dialogue on conflict resolution.
Youth workers from eleven countries – Australia, the Bahamas, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malta and Nauru, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda – have been named as the National Finalists of the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards.
The Commonwealth announced the final list of fourteen outstanding youth work professionals today – a week before the Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year will be named during international Youth Work Week, from 2-8 November 2015.
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj, who will present the award, stated: “The Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards recognise the achievements of youth workers, who often work in difficult circumstances, have very few resources and yet make a big difference to the lives of young people. Every youth worker named today should feel justifiably proud of their efforts, for they are national heroes.”
The Commonwealth Youth Worker Awards celebrate the achievements of youth workers and their enduring influence on young people. Youth workers can be found in a broad range of civil society and voluntary organisations as well as government ministries and youth departments.
As part of an awards ceremony on 5 November, Commonwealth Youth Workers of the Year for Africa, Asia, Europe, Pacific, and Caribbean and Americas regions will also be announced from among the National Finalists.
The theme for Youth Work Week 2015 is Youth Workers Creating Paths to Peace, which acknowledges the exceptional contribution of youth workers in peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Katherine Ellis, Youth Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: “Now in its fourth year as a global event, Youth Work Week puts the spotlight on youth workers whose contribution to society is often overlooked. These dedicated professionals help to foster connections and a sense of belonging among young people, which helps to build peace and prevent conflict, crime and violence.
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