Dubai resident, Indian-origin student, Netra Venkatesh, has won the Legacy Award at the 25th anniversary of The Diana Award ceremony held in UK. The award was presented by Prince William and Prince Harry in London last week.
The 17-year-old girl runs SpunkGo, a global volunteer initiative empowering girls, which she set up four years ago at the age of 14. SpunkGo works on bridging the gap between basic education and practical knowledge. It offers programs on mental health, communication, and career guidance. The organization has so far provided support to more than 5,000 people from more than 20 countries. With a range of speakers spanning different fields and expertise, Netra aimed to inspire and empower young girls, ages 16 to 25, to pursue their dreams and overcome barriers. The group has volunteers in more than 20 locations across the world.
“It was an honor to receive this award from Prince William and Harry. I thank the Diana Award team for the useful workshop they held for the awardees ahead of the awards ceremony. I am most happy for the further recognition this brings to the 5,000-plus girls of SpunkGo. This award will go a long way to further our cause of empowering girls across the developing world via education,” Venkatesh, told media.
“I believe that education goes beyond academics. It’s about equipping young girls with the necessary life skills to thrive. Communication, self-esteem, and career guidance are vital aspects of empowerment,” Netra emphasized.
Netra was noticed for her efforts and as a result, was awarded Legacy Award at the London ceremony on March 14. Named after late Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is given to 20 young leaders from across the world who have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities.
Venkatesh is a student at Dubai International Academy. She narrated about the struggles she had to face as a youngster when she ventured out to work towards social welfare.
“The biggest challenge that I faced when I was first starting out is not having enough credibility. A 14-year-old approaching you and asking you to speak in a webinar for a bunch of people sounded a bit shady. I think the Diana Foundation and the Diana Award have really helped me build credibility, which will help me get higher quality speakers with more experience in specific topics,” Venkatesh told media.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Announces 1 Billion Dirhams ‘Mothers’ Endowment’ charity fund
Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award was quoted as saying, “As we mark the start of our 25th anniversary year, these young people couldn’t be a more fitting tribute and legacy to Diana, the late Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.”
