Trini shortlisted for 2023 Commonwealth Youth Awards

Trinidad and Tobago's Maya Kirti Nanan is among 50 people shortlisted for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Awards for her contributions to education for autistic people.

The list was revealed on Thursday on the Commonwealth's website.

A notice said 20 of the nominees will further be selected as finalists and the overall winners will attend the ceremony in London on September 14.

It said those shortlisted include social entrepreneurs, environmental champions, innovators and human rights activists between ages 15 and 29.

It added that all nominees are "all involved in initiatives that make tangible contributions to achieving the sustainable development goals."

Almost 1,000 people entered from across 39 Commonwealth countries.

Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland, KC, said she continues to be amazed by the "innovative and transformative work these young people are undertaking to create a better world for us all."

Nanan, 20, was nominated for quality education.

She is the founder and president of the Siblings and Friends Network, the youth arm of the NGO, Support Autism TT which is registered as the Autism Support Network TT.

Speaking to Newsday on Thursday, she said was informed of this last week.

"It was exciting and I feel really happy and (the other nominees) are really amazing."

The 20 finalists will receive a trophy, certificate and 1,000 Euros to expand the impact of their work.

In addition, the top finalist from each region will be the "regional winner" and will get 3,000 Euros.

One of the five regional winners will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2023 and will be awarded 5,000 Euros.

The notice added, "In continuation of the Commonwealth Secretariat's partnership with the Queen's Commonwealth Trust (QCT), an additional prize of 20,000 Euros in funding will be awarded to one project, delivered over the course of two years. The selected winner will also be announced at the official awards ceremony. They will be enrolled into QCT's Platinum Jubilee Fund programme and given access to coaching and development opportunities to help their project flourish.