Street Project Foundation has won an international award for their successful implementation of the VOICE/OXFAM funded project called “Creative Youth Boot Camp: Art For Social Transformation”.
The award was presented to the organisation at an elaborate event held at the Dubai EXPO, United Arab Emirates.
Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation, Mrs. Rita Ezenwa-Okoro, received the Intercultural Innovation Award from BMW Group and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The award was presented by His Excellency, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Ms. IIka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources Labour Relations.
Out of the 1,100 entries from 120 countries, only 10 organisations were selected, and Street Project Foundation was the only one selected in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Other organisations awarded were from Canada, France, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Switzerland.
In an interview, Mrs. Rita Ezenwa-Okoro, expressed delight over the honour, saying it was a reward for hardwork.
She assured that the foundation would continue to do its best to facilitate opportunities for youth employment, social mobilisation and cross-cultural dialogue using creative arts as tool.
“Receiving the intercultural and Innovation Award is a validation of the revolutionary work that Street Project Foundation is doing in Nigeria. This is a boost to our cause of using the performing arts as a tool to foster a youth movement that advocates for inclusion, pluralism and global citizenship,” she said.
Mr Ezenwa Okoro, consultant to Street Project Foundation, added, “Coming from a country with over 200 ethnic groups and languages, this award is an endorsement of our efforts towards an egalitarian society that works for everyone.”
The Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.
It also contributes to peace, cultural diversity and more inclusive societies.
According to the organisers, the 10 award-winning organisations will share a financial grant of $200,000 and further support from the United Nations, BMW Group and Accenture.