February 9, 2016 By Victoria Saffa
Master Peace-Sierra Leone (MPSL), with support from Master Peace Foundation in the Netherlands, will start giving Nelson Award to people who are making positive impact in their districts, regions and at national level, the group announces yesterday.
The award is named after former South African President, Nelson Mandela, and it would be given to people who best represent and promote the ideals of the late anti-apartheid crusader
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Youth Commission conference hall, Country Director of MP-SL, Ambassador Charles Sylvanus Boye Jr. stated that the Nelson Award project would commence this March and run until 21 September, 2016.
He said that following nominations and sound judgment, MP-SL would select the winner, who would be handed a little bronze sculpture, adding that a certificate would be given to the most interesting young change maker in the country, while a recognition certificate would be given to people who win at district and regional levels.
Ambassador Boye Jr. said the award would go exclusively to young people, especially those between the ages of 14 and 34 years, adding that the event would be observed annually.
Chief Executive Officer of Master Peace Foundation in Netherlands, IlcoMatine Van Der Lindethe, said Sierra Leone would be the first country to start implementing the pilot project in Africa, noting that their goal was to mobilise 200,000 peace makers and change makers who would be seen as Nelson Mandela replicas.
He noted that Sierra Leone had faced too many calamities and that it was good for the world to know Sierra Leonean peacemakers.
He added that it was their responsibility to encourage young people to continue their good work.