The first ever Maun Youth Awards (MYA) were launched last Friday, with nominations opened for young people doing well in either the entertainment industry, academics, advocacy work or running a successful business in Maun’s East and West constituencies.
Nominations run until 27th February, leading to a red-carpet ceremony set for 1st April at an unconfirmed venue.
Speaking at Friday’s launch, MYA Chairperson, Kaone Kwape revealed 15 categories will be contested in total, while winners will walk away with a branded trophy, a certificate and cash prize.
“What happens is the young entrepreneurs will nominate themselves via email. After that, three names will be selected by a panel of judges and they will be announced as awards nominees. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony,” explained Kwape, adding entrants must be aged between 16 and 34.
The categories are impressively diverse and include: Best Youth in Promoting Health and Awareness, Innovation and Technology, Community Volunteerism, Academic Excellence, Living with Disability and Pioneering Disability Issues, Fashion Design, Comedian, Disk Jockey (DJ), Agriculture, Musical Group, Sports Excellence, Photography, Owned Business, Tourism and Culture Preservation.
There will also be a grand winner for the Youth of the Year.
“This is to encourage and motivate young people to work hard in sustaining themselves, thinking outside the box, building businesses and creating employment for other young people and also for those who have not started to change their mindset and come up with brilliant and innovative ways of making a living,” added Kwape.
His comments were directed at the high numbers of unemployment, out of school youth and graduates who are being produced every year despite the saturated job market.
Kwape pointed out the awards, which are intended to become an annual event, are one way of trying to meet government half way and ‘help youth help themselves’.
“Of course there are government programmes targeting youth, but resources are limited, so, as we encourage and empower each other, let’s celebrate our successes!”
Nominations are free and done entirely via email at: MAUNYOUTHAWARDS23@GMAIL.COM
“We are currently sourcing sponsorship as we want the business community to adopt categories. This is a project for Maun community at large,” challenged Kwape.
For their debut event, MYA have successfully approached local businessman and politician, Reaboka Mbulawa, who has agreed to take on the role of awards patron.
Briefly taking to the podium at the launch, Mbulawa said he could not turn down the request as ‘youth issues are closer to his heart’.
“In case you were not aware, I am an artist, that is where I come from. I produced many names, including the likes of HT, Scar and other boys in the entertainment industry. I used to run a recording label called Maun Brand, it still exists. I am also a farmer, I am into tourism business; I am all rounded when it comes to these things hence it becomes natural for me to associate with issues related to youth because I am also a father,” he said.
Mbulawa further noted Maun often struggles with natural disasters, giving the examples of Foot and Mouth, floods and human/wildlife conflict, as well as Covid-19, which hit the tourism industry hard.
He stressed it is important for those who have succeeded in business to inspire the upcoming and promising entrepreneurs, mentor and motivate them to reach greater heights.