KAAYIA Award Now Accepting Applications

“The King Abdullah II Award for Youth Innovation and Achievement (KAAYIA) began accepting applications on January 4 from young Arab leaders who are currently heading development efforts in the region. The KAAYIA will provide each of the winners with a $50,000 grant which will support the scaling up of a successful project, founded or co-founded by the award winner, that has demonstrated positive social impact. In addition, part of the grant will be allocated to education and training for award winners, in order to help them meet their specific learning needs as young leaders.

The KAAYIA seeks young leaders who are working to embody the concept of Active Citizenship: "a process that enables citizens to exercise both their rights and responsibilities in a balanced way, guided by moral and social responsibility, political literacy and community involvement." As explained on the KAAYIA website, "Active Citizenship amongst youth is expressed through the initiatives of individuals and groups in finding innovative solutions that contribute to social development through the skills of enquiry and communication, participation and responsible action."

Applicants should be between the ages of 18 to 29 and a citizen of an Arab country. In addition, they should have founded or co-founded an existing venture or project that has demonstrated a positive social impact within the local community over the last six months. The KAAYIA Award winner will be announced at the 2009 World Economic Forum.

Please visit kaayia.org for more information on the award, eligibility criteria, and instruction on how to apply.”