2010 the Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award
Nominations are invited for the 2010 Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award. The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award is given annually by the Phan Foundation. The first award goes to Naw Paw K’Bla Htoo from Kler Lwe Htoo and the second award goes to Saw Nyut Win from Mutraw District in Karen State.
ABOUT THE PHAN FOUNDATION
The Phan Foundation was founded by the four children of Padoh Mahn Sha, the General Secretary of the Karen National Union, and Nant Kyin Shwe, in their memory.
The Foundation aims to fight poverty, promote human rights and provide education for Karen people from Burma, who have suffered decades of oppression. It also aims to protect and promote the culture of the Karen, a culture which is being systematically destroyed as part of the Burmese regime’s policy of ethnic cleansing. In meeting its objectives, the Foundation will, in particular, focus on young people, encouraging and supporting a new generation of grassroots activists who will work to help their people.
THE AWARD
Each year the Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award will be granted to a young Karen person who has shown outstanding leadership and dedication in areas such as fighting poverty, promoting education, promoting development, and preserving Karen culture.
An award of $2000 will be given to the organisation or community for whom that person works. The winner of the award will be announced by the end of January 2011.
Any Karen person under 35 is eligible to be nominated. That person can be living anywhere in the world.
HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE
Nominations close on 31st December 2010. Nominations can be made by any individual or organisation. Organisations can nominate one of their own members.
Individuals cannot nominate themselves. They cannot be nominated by close family members.
To nominate someone statements or letter should be provided explaining why the person has been nominated. This could include for example, examples of successes in their work, their motivation, dedication, commitment, putting community before self, selflessness. Case studies and examples are encouraged. It should include their name, date of birth, the reasons for nominating the person, a description of the work that they do, and the name of their organisation or community. Statements of support from those they work with or prominent people would also assist the judging process.
Nominations can be submitted in Karen, Burmese or English. Those people who are shortlisted may be requested to provide further information.
More information can be obtained from http://www.phanfoundation.org or contact Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, at Email: bwabwa.phan@phanfoundation.org