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Rabat – Moroccan medical student Saad Uakkas is among the youth that received the 2021 Diana Award on Monday. Uakkas is the first Moroccan in history to win the award since its creation.
Diana Award winners are recognized for their efforts to improve the lives of others. In recognition of their activism or humanitarian work, the Award is the most prestigious accolade that can be awarded to a young person aged 9 to 25.
“This year’s Diana Award recipients represent some of the most inspirational young people from across the UK and around the world,” the official website of the award said.
The award website described Saad and other recipients as exceptional young people who “have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilize new generations to serve their communities and create long-lasting change on a global scale.”
Uakkas , who shared his joy and pride with Morocco World News, won the prize for his volunteering work and humanitarian services.
The Diana Award organization said that the medical student co-organized medical caravans, providing healthcare services and education to over 25,0000 people in rural communities.
Uakkas also facilitated 380 hours of training on key topics, such as leadership skills and public health.
In a statement to Morocco World News, the student said that he was not expecting to be among the award’s recipients.
“The way it works is that someone has to nominate you for the award. And surprisingly one of my colleagues in the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) did so.”
Uakkas said he knew about his nomination when he received an email notification, saying that he was selected for the prestigious award.
The medical student emphasized that his nomination itself is a message that the youth has to strive and look for similar opportunities and make their voices and efforts heard.
“I guess that itself is a message that a lot of awards and a lot of opportunities are out there on the global level that we,Moroccan youth, are not aware of. From my experience I have seen a lot of inspiring achievements made by Moroccan youth .. that create change and are doing awareness through innovation,” Uakkas told MWN.
The medical student pointed out that media coverage is important to promote youth efforts and make their impacts visible to the community.
He also encouraged people who are friends to any youth making an impact to nominate them and help them shine.
“Go check the award and nominate your friends and colleagues that are making an impact. We need more Moroccans there. This is just the start.”
Speaking of his experience in volunteering, Uakkas said that he started working on NGOs and humanitarian activities eight years ago when he started medical school.
He said he started with debate clubs, training youth, and training himself in advocacy, among others.
The student is also proud of being part of the medical caravan initiative that does not only provide health care services, but also education to people in remote areas of morocco.
“Every young person has a special addition and potential and uniqueness to add to the table from whatever specialty, education, background. You can do something for your local community and you can make a change,” he said.
Uakkas’ contribution made him eligible for several other awards, including the 2021 prize from the Junior Chamber International Morocco for “ “Ten Outstanding Young Persons” in the leadership category” in leadership category.
He also received the Arab Volunteer Union’s Best Volunteer Humanitarian Project award in 2019.
