Three young Fijians have been shortlisted for this year’s Commonwealth Youth Awards.

They are Rinesh Sharma, Sagufta Janif and Broderick Mervyn. The three are part of the 16 finalists that were announced on February 18.

The award recognises young people, whose innovative projects have made a real impact in helping their countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to a statement issued by the Commonwealth Youth Sector, the awards received more than 500 entries from 40 countries.

The statement said: “Of those shortlisted, the top candidate from each region will be named as a regional winner. One of these four regional winners will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2020.

“All 16 finalists will each receive a trophy, a certificate and £1000 (FJ$3000) to expand the scope of their projects.

“The regional winners will each earn a trip to London to attend the awards ceremony on March 11, 2020 and will receive £3000 (FJ$9000). The overall Pan-Commonwealth winner will take home a total of £5000 (FJ$15, 0000).”

Sagufta Janif

Ms Jani is the founder of ‘The Fusion Hub’; a social enterprise focused on addressing a lack of access to proper waste disposal methods in remote islands by upcycling waste materials and selling them as furniture, home items and accessories.

The Fusion Hub has so far upcycled more than 400 tonnes of waste selling hundreds of items to clients. The Hub also employs single mothers giving them a sustainable livelihood and has helped set up two formal businesses that are now part of its supply chain.”

Broderick John Mervyn

Mr Mervyn is the current president of ‘Ignite4Change’; a youth-led initiative which works to empower and educate underprivileged women and youths to grow inclusive governance, equality, participation and cultural preservation within local communities.

The initiative runs several programmes including on public speaking training, local governance awareness, climate change advocacy, youth leadership and the protection of the Rotuman Language and Heritage.

Rinesh Sharma

Mr Sharma is the founder of ‘Smart Farms Fiji’; an initiative that aims to provide a sustainable food production system by growing fruits and vegetables in a controlled environment all year round. The Smart Farm system’s produce is monitored through smartphone technology and saves up to 70 per cent more water than traditional farming methods. Smart Farms Fiji also runs the country’s first hydroponics course that teaches local communities to embrace modern farming practices.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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