Susan Ekalale, a 20-year-old Turkana lady on Thursday, October 21, received an international award for the most outstanding personality in the year 2021.
Ekalale was feted in Nairobi by Jane Mariott, the British High Commissioner to Kenya.
The young entrepreneur was awarded by the Prince’s Trust International, an award which was authored by The Prince of Wales, and is sponsored by The Aga Khan Foundation.
The program works with partners across 15 countries to recognize young and outstanding personalities all over the world.
In Kenya, the organization has partnered with Asante Africa Foundation to deliver several initiatives, among them being the enterprise challenge.
The enterprise challenge inspires young people to develop practical business skills, and this was the reason Ekalale bagged the award.
When the pandemic struck the country and many people lost their jobs, Ekalale saw this as an opportunity to give the challenge a shot.
She bought fruits and vegetables from wholesalers and then sold them to retailers, in a bid to support her family financially.
Eventually, her grocery store grew bigger every day, making her the major source of income for her family.
As a result, Asante Africa Foundation recognized her and awarded her as a hard worker who seizes every opportunity presented before her.
After receiving her award, Ekalale expressed her gratitude to the partners, stating that the program changed her life in a way she had not imagined.
“I would like to thank the Asante Africa Foundation and Prince’s Trust International for giving me the opportunity of empowerment through leadership and entrepreneurship.The skills I have learned, such as communication, resilience and entrepreneurship knowledge, have really impacted my life positively,” Ekalale remarked.
Notably, after presenting the award to Ekalale, Marriott congratulated her, and encouraged young people to keep taking advantage of such opportunities.
“I am delighted to host this ceremony to recognise Ekalale and her fantastic achievements. It is great to see young people in Kenya benefiting from programmes like this. We are incredibly proud of Ekalale’s determination and resolve to support her family and realise her dreams,” Marriott commended.
