Kenyan Douglas Mwangi Set to Be Awarded by Queen Elizabeth

A Kenyan is set to receive a prestigious award from Her Majesty The Queen in London for contributing in his community.

Douglas Mwangi will tonight be among 53 selected young leaders across the Commonwealth countries who shall receive the 2018 Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

Mwangi was selected following a competitive process involving thousands of applicants.

He was chosen in recognition of the work he is doing to reduce illiteracy and poverty in his community and beyond. 

[caption caption="Douglas Mwangi"][/caption]

Born and raised in Mathare slum, Mwangi founded Oasis Mathare, which offers entrepreneurial and IT skills to hundreds of unemployed young people including teenage mothers.

Mwangi stated that the award was not only to recognize his effort but also a sign of hope to young people living in informal settlements across the country.

“I am overjoyed to be part of a group of phenomenal young men and women who are transforming lives,” Mwangi stated.

"This prestigious award is very special to me and to all people struggling to make a living in many informal settlements," he added.

The Award recognizes and applauds exceptional young people between the ages of 18-29 years who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.

It will take place tonight at Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty's residence, and Prince Harry and Duchess Megan are also expected to be in attendance.

Later this month, Mwangi will take part in master classes at the BBC World Service and the UK Headquarters of Facebook.

[caption caption="Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "][/caption]

Award winners will also attend workshops at the University of Cambridge and visit projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK.