Less Than One Month Left to Apply for the King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement
Application deadline is on February 28th, 2009
The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) announces today that there is less than one month left for eligible nominees to apply for the King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA). Prospective applicants can visit the KAAYIA website (www.KAAYIA.org) to apply for the Award by February 28th, 2009.
To be eligible to apply for the award, the project must be initiated and executed by young leaders from an Arab country who are between the ages of 18-29. When the individual applies for the award, their project should have been fully functional and operational for at least six months with a demonstrated impact in their respective communities and societies.
Tarik Award, Director-General of KAFD stated, "We encourage all young Arab leaders who are currently leading development efforts in the Arab world, that bring to life the notion of Active Citizenship, to apply for the award by the end of the month."
He went on to say, "The KAAYIA strives to recognize, celebrate and support young Arab leaders who are Active Citizens in their communities, which means that they are developing and implementing innovative solutions that support the growth of micro-enterprises to combat poverty, promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts, foster intercultural dialogues, and creatively use technology to boost employment and educational opportunities."
The evaluation process will take place until April 5th, 2009 based on three criteria that include leadership and innovation, collaboration and partnership, and impact and sustainability. The selection committee will then identify the 3-5 finalists and the award winners be announced at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East, which will be held between May 15-17th, 2009.
The KAAYIA will provide each of the award winners with a $50,000 grant, a portion of which will be provided as a two-year monetary grant and the other portion will be provided for the award winners to pursue educational or training opportunities.
KAFD will acknowledge and recognise the winners and their work at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East 2009. KAFD will also develop a high quality publication that will highlight the achievements of the winners and support their future endeavours, as well as work with various regional and global media to highlight the stories of the award winners.
KAAYIA was launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East in 2007 with the aim to recognize conscious youth citizens that are engaged in exemplary activities related to Active Citizenship. KAAYIA promotes the concept of innovation and entrepreneurship leading to positive change in communities. The Award strives to enhance the culture of research and development to increase the impact of change in community led development, generate best practices and encourage cross-border cooperation and dialogue.
