Kenya's Douglas Mwangi Receives Queen's Award at Buckingham Palace in London

Douglas Mwangi, the founder of Oasis Mathare has received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award at Buckingham Palace in London.

Mwangi received the award on Tuesday in recognition for his outstanding efforts in reducing illiteracy and poverty in his community. His organization provides entrepreneurial and IT skills to jobless youths, including teenage mothers.

“It’s such a huge honour to receive an award from Her Majesty The Queen of England for the work I’m doing at home in Kenya….Being part of the Queen’s Young Leaders family is really exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future now holds,” Mwangi said.

The award grants the recipient the opportunity to train at the prestigious University of Cambridge and a £200,000 (Sh26 million) Legacy Fund.

“In this rapidly changing world, it is heartening to meet so many inspiring young people gathered here today, who have already stepped up as leaders and improved the lives of so many people across the Commonwealth. You are the hope and optimism the world needs and we will all do whatever we can to support you in it,” Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry said during the awards ceremony graced by Queen Elizabeth.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex also attended the function.

The awards program celebrates young leaders from Commonwealth nations who are offering solutions to global issues such as climate change, food scarcity, gender-based violence, mental health, and access to education.

Mwangi, 28, was among 53 selected young leaders aged between 18-29 years across the Commonwealth who were feted.