Joan Kembabazi
A 24 years-old humanitarian leader from Uganda dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. He founded the organisation Signals from the Grassroots, which has mobilized over 5,000 young people across 54 countries to create social change through grassroots initiatives.
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Ssenyange Apollo, 24 years old from Uganda, is a humanitarian leader focused on youth empowerment, gender equality and community-building. He founded the organisation Signals from the Grassroots (SftG), a global platform that addresses the lack of opportunities for young people to tackle urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges in their communities.
Despite wanting to make a difference, many lack access to the support, networks, or platforms needed to take action. To bridge this gap, SftG provides project opportunities, mentorship, leadership development and resources, equipping young people with the tools to make an impact.
Karimot's leadership & impact
Karimot’s leadership has catalysed significant change. In response to rising violence against women in Nigeria, she organized the Ibadan Walk Against Rape, rallying communities to demand justice. Her efforts led to Oyo State’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre and the passage of the Child Sexual Offences Bill, setting a crucial precedent in the fight against gender-based violence.
Through Black Girl’s Dream Initiative, she is breaking barriers to education by equipping young women with essential skills and creating opportunities for out-of-school children. Their Ibadan Schools' Debate Training and Competition has trained over 1,100 students across 55 schools in public speaking, debate, and research. Meanwhile, the Èkó Dára program reintegrates out-of-school children into government schools, providing tuition, school supplies, mentorship, and economic support for families.
LOOKING AHEAD
Karimot’s leadership has catalysed significant change. In response to rising violence against women in Nigeria, she organized the Ibadan Walk Against Rape, rallying communities to demand justice. Her efforts led to Oyo State’s first Sexual Assault Referral Centre and the passage of the Child Sexual Offences Bill, setting a crucial precedent in the fight against gender-based violence.
Through Black Girl’s Dream Initiative, she is breaking barriers to education by equipping young women with essential skills and creating opportunities for out-of-school children. Their Ibadan Schools' Debate Training and Competition has trained over 1,100 students across 55 schools in public speaking, debate, and research. Meanwhile, the Èkó Dára program reintegrates out-of-school children into government schools, providing tuition, school supplies, mentorship, and economic support for families.
"To me, trailblazing leadership means daring to empower others to rise above their challenges so they can build a better life for themselves, and eventually others.
Being named a finalist for the WIN WIN Youth Award reaffirms the power of youth-driven actions that define my work at Signals from the Grassroots - in creating sustainable solutions to the world's most pressing issues."
- Ssenyang Apollo