The Phan Foundation is pleased to announce that we are now accepting nominations for the Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award 2023.
The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award is given annually to an outstanding young Karen leader in recognition of their outstanding efforts, and comes with a $4,000 grant towards their work. This is the 14th year of the award.
Padoh Mahn Sha, former General Secretary of the Karen Nations Union, was assassinated in 2008 by agents working for the Burmese military. As a leader he always encouraged and supported young people to become involved in helping their community. The Padoh Mahn Sha Young Leader Award aims to carry on his work supporting new generations of young leaders.
“It is so encouraging to see how so many young people dedicate their lives to helping their communities despite facing so many challenges,” said Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, Founder and Director of Phan Foundation. “Through the Padoh Mahn Sha Young leader award we want to support and encourage young leaders, and give recognition for their efforts.”
How to nominate someone:
Any Karen person under 35 is eligible to be nominated.
That person can be living anywhere in the world.
Nominations can be made by any individual or organisation.
Organisations can nominate one of their own members.
Please focus on outcomes and achievements in your nomination.
Nominations can be made in Karen, Burmese or English.
You can nominate someone even if they have been previously nominated and were not successful.
Nominations should be sent to Nant Bwa Bwa Phan: bwabwa.phan@phanfoundation.org
Nominations close on 31st December 2023. The winner of the award will be announced in early 2024.
About the Phan Foundation
The Phan Foundation was set up by the children of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan and Nant Kyin Shwe with the aims to alleviate poverty, promote education and human rights, and preserve Karen culture. Padoh Mahn Sha, the former General Secretary of the Karen National Union, was assassinated by agents of the Burmese government on 14th February 2008.
Since the establishment of Phan Foundation in 2008, we have worked with civil society and community organisations providing funding for schools and higher education, educational publications, emergency food and medical aid for internally displaced people, emergency aid responding to the COVID pandemic, support for human rights education, promotion and protection of Karen languages, and support for refugee communities.