A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) with operations in Kenya has beat 2,000 entrants from 30 countries worldwide to bag six awards at the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS).
Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit that operates in Western Kenya, won two Silver awards in ‘Education, Art & Culture’ and another Silver award in ‘Sustainability, Environment & Climate.
According to Florida-based publication, The Boca Raton Tribune, the organisation received the greatest amount of support in all categories it gained entry including the Community Voice Award for all three of its entries.
“As a small grassroots organisation, we are humbled to receive this recognition and be in the ranks of inspiring global changemakers and pathbreaking organisations for the second consecutive year" Jim Cummings, the founder of the organisation stated after receiving the award.
Cummings further noted that moving forward, his organisation will be looking forward to developing a young generation of young, energetic, exploratory youths who will take specific actions towards improving the global environment.
Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative received these accolades for its environmental sustainability work in 2023. The non-profit was also recognised for infusing environmental care into its curriculum across the institutions it operates.
The organisation's move to open its doors to highly talented youths from across Kenya while infusing new options for a global education capacity, where international students from countries such as the United States also visit learn and share in a culturally interactive environment was also recognised.
Through its Kijana Heroes Poster Series, the organisation also seeks to raise awareness among Africans and Americans using creative works such as art.
Now entering its third decade since its inception, the organisation has made steps to disrupt the normal education curriculum through its unique programs implemented across 30 schools countywide.
The organisation set up operations in Kenya back in 2002 when two missionary teachers identified the need to provide an education for Kenyan children from humble backgrounds.
Since then, over 500 students have benefitted from the program, with about 170 residing within the campus built to accommodate learners.
This is the second time the organisation has received the award following its silver recognition by IADAS in 2022.
