South Sudanese refugee wins $100,000 global prize
September 20, 2023 (NEW YORK) – A 24-year-old South Sudanese refugee has been named the winner of the prestigious Varkey Foundation’s student prize.
Nhial Deng, was announced the winner of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023, a $100,000 award usually given to one exceptional student that “has made a real impact on learning, the lives of their peers and on society beyond”.
The prize involved 4,000 nominations and applications from 122 nations globally.
“We are delighted to announce that 24-year-old South Sudanese refugee Nhial Deng, who empowered over 20,000 refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya through peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship programmes, as well as creating a safe space for young people to heal from their trauma, has been named the winner of the Varkey Foundation’s sister prize,” Varkey Foundation said in statement on its website.
Nhial’s inspirational career has seen progress, and he currently serves on eight committees and advisory boards, including two United Nations committees.
“Congratulations Nhial. Your deeply moving story shows the transformation power of education and the vital role that it plays in building a better tomorrow for us all,” said Varkey Foundation founder, Sunny Varkey.
The Huron University College student is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award, the World Vision Hero for Children Courage Award 2023, and the FilmAid Student Award 2021.
(ST)