The 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year: A Story of Resilience and Leadership
Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi has been awarded the prestigious title of the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and cohesive community.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
- The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of Canberrans aged 12 to 25 who have made significant contributions to the community.
- This year’s Awards featured seven categories, highlighting excellence in fields such as sport, education, science, culture, the arts, and the environment.
Ms Rabi, a young African-Australian community leader, serves as an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT. Her journey is marked by resilience and a deep commitment to empowering young people.
A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Having emigrated from South Sudan at the age of 15, Ms Rabi faced immense challenges, having lost both her parents at a young age. Despite these obstacles, she has emerged as a powerful advocate for African-Australian youth, using her lived experience to inspire and uplift others.
Ms Rabi’s work focuses on celebrating African culture in Canberra, promoting social cohesion, and engaging with the broader community. Her advocacy efforts are driven by a desire to foster inclusivity and deepen understanding of the experiences and contributions of African Australians.
Highlighting Excellence Across Categories
Youth Achiever Award
Winner: Mr Seth Burr
Mr. Burr, a Leadership group member at his school and mentor for younger students, exemplifies dedication and service to his community.
Personal Achievement Award
Winner: Miss Jasmine Eldridge
Overcoming personal challenges, Ms. Eldridge advocates for young people with disabilities and has achieved remarkable milestones in her educational journey.
Individual Community Service Award
Winner: Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz
Mx Barancewicz’s active involvement in youth advocacy groups underscores their commitment to creating positive change in the community.
Environment and Sustainability Award
Winner: Ms Anjali Sharma
Ms. Sharma’s work as a climate activist and her dedication to promoting environmental awareness reflect a deep sense of responsibility towards future generations.
Arts and Multimedia Award
Winner: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga
Ms. Mahanga’s commitment to youth advocacy and her artistic endeavors showcase the power of creativity and cultural expression.
Group Achievement Award
Winner: St Mary MacKillop College
The collective efforts of the Year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College in organizing the ‘Relay Your Way’ event demonstrate the impact of teamwork and community engagement.
Nomination and Assessment Process
Individuals can nominate young achievers for these prestigious awards, with nominations evaluated by representatives from the ACT Youth Advisory Council, ACT Government, and award category sponsors.
For more information on past award winners and how to get involved, visit the official Awards website.
Conclusion
The 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Award ceremony not only recognizes outstanding individuals like Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi but also celebrates the collective efforts of young people making a difference in their communities across various fields. These inspiring stories serve as a reminder of the power of resilience, advocacy, and community engagement in shaping a brighter future for all.
FAQs
- How are the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award recipients selected?
- What are the different categories featured in the Awards?
- Can individuals nominate themselves or others for these awards?