Regional Finalist - The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2021

Miss. 'Ilaisaane Lolohea Manu, Tonga - Regional Finalist 2021.

​[Ex-The Commonwealth News & Events website] Regional Finalist - The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2021. 

Congratulations! Miss Ilaisaane Lolohea Manu (TYEE) - Tonga has been selected as a Regional Finalist, representing the Pacific, for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2021. This wonderful recognition is warmly shared with our individual youth who have played a part and contributed to our youth work. This is for all of you too, and Tonga!  You can view the Finalists and Miss Manu's profile on this link: Regional Finalists!

Twenty extraordinary young individuals including inventors, activists and entrepreneurs from 18 countries have been announced as finalists for this year’s Commonwealth Youth Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding Commonwealth young people whose projects are transforming lives in their communities and helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More than 1,000 entries from 43 Commonwealth countries were received last year. The finalists were selected across each of the award’s regional categories following a rigorous judging process.

The awards

This year, the awards have expanded to include five regional categories: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and Canada, and the Pacific.

The top finalist from each region will be announced as the regional winner at the official awards ceremony on 10 March 2021. The ceremony will be held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of these five regional winners, one outstanding young person will become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2021.

All 20 finalists will each receive a trophy, certificate and £1,000 to expand the impact of their projects. Each regional winner will receive £3,000 and the overall pan-Commonwealth winner will take home a total of £5,000.

Acknowledgement with gratitude

"I can confirm that no matter what your your age and status are, you can achieve your goals if you work hard with true commitment, be loyal to your work, and surround yourself with the right people and support then the impossible becomes possible.  I would like to acknowledge the key people who have empowered, supported and helped me to come this far and be counted in this life changing awards for youth changemakers and leaders.  

• The Commonwealth Youth Programme Awards 2021
• Ministry of Internal Affairs Youth Division, Tonga
• TYEE Board & Management and Staff 
• Rev. Taniela Manu, my family and friends.

Thank you for all your love and support, I am humbled. To God Be The Glory". -Ilaisaane Lolohea Manu.