Stars are shinning for the efforts and determination of individuals who have dedicated their minds into changing the things in our societies that need action.
The African of the Year award project was initiated in 2008 to recognise and reward, annually, an exemplary African who has made extra-ordinary contribution to human development in any part of the continent, and in any sphere of human endeavor.
Africans who have distinguished themselves in their various walks of life or do charity projects in their immediate communities that are of positive impact to the people.
Five Kisumu girls have been selected as winners of Daily Trust 2018’s Africa of the year award
Stacy Owino, Purity Achieng, Ivy Akinyi, Synthia Otieno, and Macrine Atieno were selected after developing a mobile application called I-cut.
I-cut is a slick mobile application that connects girls at risk of circumcision with rescue centres. It also gives legal and medical help to those who have been subjected to FGM.
Known as the “the Restorers”, the girls said the app will help connect affected girls to legal and medical assistance.
The girls who are forced to undergo the procedure can also alert local authorities by pressing a panic button on the app.
According to Daily Trust website, the girls will be honoured at a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria in January 2019, were they will get the $ 25,000(Sh2.5 million) prize money in addition to a specially made plaque.
“The application has become a very useful tool in the war against Female Genital Mutilation,” a statement from the selection committee read.
The Selection Committee of the award is headed by former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.
“The Restorers” are partnering with several non-governmental organizations in their mission to eradicate FGM.
The team beat nine Kenyan semi finalists to secure a spot at the Technovation Challenge that took place in August in California.
The met other finalists from other parts of the world.
Sponsored by Google, Salesforce and Adobe, Technovation challenges girls aged 10-18 to create an app that solves problems faced by their communities.
What do you think about the award’s power in innovation?