The Lens
Meet QS impACT's Community Transformation winner
Hafizu Hamidu's project aims to empower internally displaced persons on the electoral processes in Nigeria.
By QS ImpACT
The winner of the QS ImpACT ‘Community Transformation Champion’ award is Hafizu Hamidu from Nigeria. In 2023, a project was launched to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly women, in Nigeria by providing them with essential knowledge about the recently concluded elections. Recognising the marginalisation faced by women, especially IDPs, in electoral participation and candidacy, the project aimed to sensitise 200 IDPs, primarily women, on the electoral processes.
By doing so, the campaign sought to ensure that all eligible individuals, including those with disabilities, understood their right to participate in democratic settings. Moreover, the project aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge about how the 2023 elections would be conducted, thereby enabling them to engage effectively in the electoral process.
The Wakili Saminaka and the community religious leader (Imam) expressed their appreciation to the team and assured them of the community's preparedness to participate in the 2023 General Election. The Camp Women Leader Hajiya Halima, who spoke on behalf of the women, assured the team that they won't trade their votes and they will continue to enlighten them on the dangers of vote buying and political violence.
QS ImpACT is a UNEP accredited global charity registered in the UK and Whales. Our global community of young leaders grow and earn recognition for their positive impact on society. We connect universities, organizations and communities worldwide to develop young talent to lead through impact for a regenerative future. We recognise young people with Certificates, Badges, Scholarships and Awards. Last year, we impacted over 112,000 people across 87 countries with over 2,100 community members and 50 Youth Ambassadors.
The culmination of the 2023 calendar year at QS ImpACT was marked by the prestigious QS ImpACT Awards, serving as our organization's flagship event. The overarching theme and mission of the awards were centred around the celebration of global regeneration.
It featured influential speeches and engaging discussions, showcasing the participation of distinguished leaders from the United Nations, Forbes 30 Under 30, and renowned global universities. A remarkable lineup of over 15 speakers and 16 judges contributed to the event's success, adding depth and value to the mission. The primary objective of the awards was to acknowledge and honour exceptional youth leaders spanning the globe, recognising their remarkable contributions to community regeneration and transformation. After a rigorous evaluation, 45 finalists emerged from 18 different countries, with 8 emerging as winners.
Critical to the success of the event were the collaborative efforts with 15 impact partners, who played a pivotal role in supporting and enriching the journey towards creating a truly impactful and successful awards ceremony. The QS ImpACT Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a collective spirit of regeneration.