Press Release: Young Courage Award 2024
Raoul Wallenberg Academy, in collaboration with the Swedish Institute and Sweden’s embassies, is proud to announce the winners of the Young Courage Award 2024. This award honors young individuals between the ages of 13 and 20 who have demonstrated great courage and humanity with limited resources.
– We are delighted to recognize these brave young people and hope that their stories will inspire others to show courage in their own lives. Their actions are proof that you don’t need large resources to make a significant difference in the world, says Anna Urombi, Secretary General of the Raoul Wallenberg Academy.
– The Swedish Institute and RWA have long collaborated to highlight young people’s commitment to democracy and human rights worldwide. By recognizing humane actions, we want to emphasize each individual’s ability to make a difference – both large and small, says Madeleine Sjöstedt, Director General of the Swedish Institute.
This year’s winners, from Greece, Canada, Monaco, Serbia, Hungary, and Sweden, were selected from nominations by the public, schools, and embassies. The winners will receive their awards in Stockholm on August 27th, during Raoul Wallenberg Day, alongside the Raoul Wallenberg Prize ceremony. During their stay in Sweden, all winners will take part in a journey following in Raoul Wallenberg’s footsteps in Stockholm.
Winners and Motivations
Serbia: Iori Jelena Vukotić
Iori has shown courage, passion, and dedication in advocating for LGBTQI+ rights and gender identity diversity in challenging environments. Ioris actions not only demonstrate resilience but also serve as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles. By sharing her story, Iori raises awareness and empowers others to speak out and seek justice. Ioris unwavering commitment to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and equality sets a powerful example for the community. Ioris work reminds us that individual actions can significantly impact creating a more just and tolerant society.
Hungary: Szonja Balázs
Over the past two years, Szonja has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to writing articles, recording podcasts, leading training sessions, and participating in conferences, with a particular focus on combating bullying. Despite struggling with a severe chronic illness, Szonja displays impressive energy and a positive attitude that inspires both young people and adults. She has been awarded for her tireless commitment to advocating for the rights of children and young people. Her courage and determination make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Greece: Spiros Panagiotou
Spiros Panagiotou is recognized for his volunteer work at the National University of Athens, where he, along with a group of other students, assists students with disabilities to facilitate their studies. His goal is to ensure that no student feels left out. Spiros’ actions are a testament to his generous character, benefiting his peers and inspiring others to act for a more inclusive and supportive society.
Sweden: Guuled Mohamed
Guuled Mohamed started his own youth editorial team to highlight all the good things happening in Järva, Stockholm, and to give a voice to those who are otherwise unheard. He has also amplified the voices of young people from Järva who have testified about being discriminated against during police body searches due to their appearance. The jury acknowledges Guuled’s drive and actions, which have a positive impact on his community.
Sweden: Houda Oraham,
Houda Oraham is a medical student at the University of Gothenburg and is active within the Gothenburg City Mission. Since the age of 15, she has contributed to children’s activities and provided homework assistance in Biskopsgården. Efforts like Houda’s have helped the area to no longer be classified as ”vulnerable.” She is also involved in student advocacy, working to amplify student voices. Her dedication and positive influence make her a deserving recipient.
Monaco: Matthieu Saro, Gabriel Carvalho Goncalves, and Alessandro Corbo
Matthieu Saro, Gabriel Carvalho Goncalves, and Alessandro Corbo have shown deep commitment to international solidarity and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of others. The funds they raised have been used meaningfully to improve education and quality of life. Their efforts have not only provided essential resources but also created a meaningful link between the communities of Monaco and Haiti. This is an inspiring example of how young people can positively impact the world through cooperation and action. For their creativity, dedication, leadership, and courage in addressing global challenges and improving the living conditions of young people in Haiti, the award goes to Matthieu Saro, Gabriel Carvalho Goncalves, and Alessandro Corbo.
Canada: Taiya Peckham
Taiya Peckham has shown great courage at a young age. Using her own experiences of being subjected to discrimination and hate solely because of her identity and orientation, Taiya has turned the hatred into something constructive for others in need. Creating an important safe space for young people who were also born into a vulnerable group in society is an impressive, important, and honorable achievement.
About Young Courage Award
The Young Courage Award is an international award that recognizes young people who, just like Raoul Wallenberg, dare to stand up for others and who make a difference in their everyday lives.
The Young Courage Award honors individuals, aged 13 and 20, who have shown great civil courage and humanity with limited resources. It recognizes young people who, just like Raoul Wallenberg, dare to stand up for others and who make a difference in their everyday lives.
With small means, one can show great commitment and humanity. It is about daring to act, regardless of how small or large these actions may be.
“To me there is no other choice”
– Raoul Wallenberg
Jury Members 2024
- Maja Kastlander – Representative for Raoul Wallenberg Differencemakers
- Lamija Muharemović – Recipient of the Young Courage Award 2023
- Elias Fjellander – Chairperson of RFSL Youth
- Yusuf Hussein – Recipient of the Young Courage Award 2023
- Khadra Abdirashid – A&R Manager at Sony Music Publishing
- Jiloan Hamad – Football Player
- Atilla Yoldaş – Journalist and Lecturer
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Anna Ringborg, Communications Officer, Raoul Wallenberg Academy
Phone: +46 703 230 004
Email: anna.ringborg@rwa.se
Tulle Durling, Press Officer, Swedish Institute
Phone: +46 73 257 25 14
