ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — In its fifth annual awards ceremony in Erbil this week the Rwanga Foundation handed out 30 awards in 10 different categories to young innovators in the fields of humanity, art, the environment and education.
Namo, a young artist from Sulaimani city who had entered the contest for two years in a row and won this year’s gold medal for art, said that recognizing his work by an organization like Rwanga encourages him and many other young artists like him.
“Without a doubt Rwanga would be a great encouragement for the success of my other projects in the future because they support people who have excelled in their field,” he told Rudaw. “I’m one of those people and their support will reflect in my work.”
Since its establishment, the Rwanga Foundation has put great emphasis on education, youth capacity-building, the environment and humanitarian work.
It has provided various platforms for the youth and emerging talents to express themselves. The organization has also renovated more than 40 school buildings across the Kurdistan Region.
In its mission statement, the foundation says that “Rwanga’s strategic goals are to develop platforms for youth to discover talents and fulfill their potentials, introduce the latest technology, including e-learning system to the education process in order to meet the advanced international standards, create a culture and passion for learning in particular among the youth.”
Abdulsalam Madani, Executive Manager at Rwanga says that the organization encourages innovation and originality.
“Our doors are open to all,” Madani told Rudaw. “We meet and discuss all ideas about what to do next.”
“We always make sure what we do isn’t redundant because innovation is a main principles of our work and it’s written in our bylaws.” Madani explained.
Lana, a local designer of handbags and winner of an award in the field of innovation said that the recognition of her work helps bring out the hidden talent in many young people like herself.
“An event like this and the Rwanga awards is a great encouragement for the youth not to lose heart and continue and innovation and enter such contests and win awards,” Lana Barham said. “What’s important in these events is bringing out the talents of the youth.”
Lana started her business with nothing more than $100 as capital. She now employees seven people.
Through various projects the Rwanga Foundation has created more than 4,000 jobs brought more than $4 million in investment into the Kurdistan Region for youth capacity-building and the education sector.
