Voting for the Active Citizenship Award has now closed.
VSO volunteers nominated in the Active Citizenship category help people exercise their voice and agency in claiming their rights and take action for social change in their communities and societies. They ignite local leadership, ensuring people have a say in the decisions that shape their lives, while fostering locally driven solutions that create lasting impact.
Meet your finalists
Eliud Moris, National Volunteer, Tanzania
Boosting the Blue Economy project
I am proud that my experience as a VSO volunteer has reinforced my belief in the power of grassroots change and the importance of empowering individuals to create their own solutions”
- Eliud Moris.
Eliud Moris has been nominated for his outstanding contributions to youth development and the blue economy during his five years with VSO.
Eluid started volunteering with VSO in 2019 on the International Citizen Service (ICS) project in Bukoba in 2018, and currently serves as a life skills adviser on the Boosting the Blue Economy (BBE) project in Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam and Pwani regions.
Through the BBE project, Eliud has supported over 300 technical and vocational education and training trainees and jobseekers by providing leadership skills, career guidance, and networking opportunities. Through his work, Eliud supported 27 young people to gain internships.
Eliud has led mangrove restoration and clean-up campaigns, mobilizing over 500 youth to plant 300 mangroves, with plans to reach 1,000. He has also coordinated youth leadership training and established platforms for economic advocacy and access to financial entitlements, supporting 16 groups to secure loans worth over 30 million Tanzanian shillings. Eliud helped create 320 small businesses and promote youth engagement in climate action, gender equality, and health rights.
"Eliud’s deeply committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of others. By participating in a six-week sign language program in Mwanza, he gained the skills to better support the deaf community, helping them to advocate for their rights, access services, and claim their economic entitlements, such as government funds for youth development—over 42 million Tanzanian shillings were granted to deaf groups."
"Under the Boosting the Blue Economy (BBE) project, Eliud recognized the negative impact of climate change on fishing and other marine-related livelihoods, largely due to harmful practices by fishers and community members. He has led over 10 community awareness events and mobilized more than 200 artisanal small-scale fishers to take immediate action.
"Through these efforts, over 300 mangroves have been restored, and five beach clean-up events have been conducted. This reflects his deep care for both people and the planet. Eliud shows us that being an active citizen is about using your platform and actions to lift up others, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone."
– Photunatus Nyundo, Project Officer, Boosting the Blue Economy project .
Jockim Mukeh, National Volunteer, Uganda
ACTIVE project
The journey to improve the lives of the most marginalized people needs personal willingness, patience, confidence and determination. As a volunteer, it's not a dream without action to cause a transformative society"
- Jockim Mukeh.
Jockim Mukeh has played a key role in enrolling children with disabilities in school, using a tool to help caregivers assess these children during enrolment. He trained caregivers and teachers in inclusive teaching methods, significantly increasing enrolment at early childhood education centres and primary schools.
To encourage retention, Jockim supported the creation of school kitchen gardens to improve nutrition and launched a savings and loans program for parents, promoting financial literacy and challenging disability stereotypes. He also engaged male champions to shift views on fatherhood and reduce gender-based violence. His efforts, including tree planting and adaptable learning materials, have created lasting change.
“Jockim is a strong candidate for the ACTIVE Citizenship category due to his impactful volunteer work in Bidibidi, a challenging environment with limited resources for refugees. His efforts have significantly improved access to social services, especially for families with disabilities. By raising awareness on rights and entitlements, Jockim mobilized eight community volunteers to join the Refugee Welfare Council, enhancing advocacy and support for vulnerable families. This has led to priority access for children with disabilities to economic and educational programs, boosting school enrolment and participation.
Additionally, Jockim facilitated dialogues between refugees and the host community, addressing tensions over land use. His mediation helped secure land access for refugees, improving food security and nutrition, especially critical after food assistance cuts. His work has also encouraged peaceful coexistence, leading to higher school enrolment among host community children who now feel safe to attend school. His dedication and initiatives have positively transformed both refugee and host communities, making him an exemplary nominee for ACTIVE Citizenship.”
– Christine Abala, Project Lead, Early Childhood Care and Education, Uganda
Aye Mya Mya, National Volunteer, Myanmar
ACTIVE project
Learn more about Aye Mya Mya in our International Girls in ICT Day webinar
As I reflect on the purpose of our work, I am reminded of a simple truth: true value lies in what we give to others, expecting nothing in return—like the blossoms and fruits that flourish, bringing beauty and nourishment to all around them."
– Aye Mya Mya.
Aye Mya has provided high-quality mental health and psychosocial support training to education leaders, community volunteers, and partner organisations in Yangon. She facilitated Numeracy For All training for monastic teachers and staff, focusing on inclusive teaching with low-cost resources. She developed a curriculum for displaced children, emphasizing basic literacy and numeracy, and used mental health support to enhance their well-being.
Her collaboration with the Myanmar Education Consortium led to policy-level changes, including a framework for early childhood care and development. Aye Mya's commitment to sustainability is evident through the communities of practice she established, and her teamwork and digital literacy support demonstrate her dedication to lasting change.
“Aye Mya has sustainability at the heart of her training. She set up communities of practice on WhatsApp where teachers share teaching tools and techniques they’ve learnt from Aye Mya’s training. Everything she does in her role as a volunteer is to determine a better future for teachers and children in Myanmar. She is committed to personal growth and collaboration, inspiring and motivating others in her team and her trainings along the way”
– Nicola Whybrow, Resilient and Inclusive Education Technical Lead
Dev Upadhyaya Dhungel, National Volunteer, Nepal
SIKAI (Inclusive Education Project in Baglung district) Hempel Foundation
There's nothing more meaningful in life than breaking barriers and paving the way so that every child, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can walk towards the light of education, hope, and the future they deserve."
– Dev Upadhyaya Dhungel.
Dev Upadhyaya Dhungel, a dedicated volunteer for the SIKAI project in Nepal, has made significant contributions to improving education in his community. He has raised awareness among parents about the importance of education, encouraging regular school attendance and parental involvement. Dev also advocated against corporal punishment, leading to a reduction in such practices in schools.
He promoted child-friendly practices by establishing complaint response committees and child clubs to empower students. His efforts have increased school attendance, improved the learning environment, and strengthened parental and community engagement. Through teamwork and collaboration, Dev has ensured lasting change and sustainable educational improvements in the community.
“Dev deserves recognition under the Active Citizenship category for his remarkable dedication and impactful work in transforming the SIKAI Project. His commitment to improving children's education by engaging parents, addressing harmful social norms, advocating against corporal punishment, and fostering inclusive, child-friendly environments has created lasting change in the community.
"Through his leadership, Dev has empowered both students and parents, helped to increased school attendance of children, and significantly improved the learning environment in community schools and households. His ability to bring people together for a common cause and his passion for creating sustainable improvements make him an outstanding candidate for this nomination and deserving candidate to win the title."
– Aarzoo Parajuli, Education coordinator, Nepal