18-Year-old wins Zonta International prize for Young Women in Public Affairs
A final year student of the Roman Ridge School in Accra, Maisy Ama Baer, is the double Award winner of Zonta International District 18 and Zonta International 2022 prizes for Young Women in Public Affairs.
She is one of 10 Zonta International’s global award winners for this year.
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Both awards, worth a total cash sum of $6,500, were presented to her by the President of Zonta Club of Accra, Vivienne Idun-Ogde, at the school’s Speech and Prize-giving Day ceremony held in Accra.
In a short speech, Madam Idun-Ogde explained that the goal of Zonta’s Award programme was to encourage young women all over the world to participate in Public Affairs by recognising a candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector. Candidates are also to show evidence of leadership through achievements and dedication to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Excitement
Miss Baer shared her excitement for receiving the Zonta Global Award, especially, for being the only winner from Ghana and the subregion.
“This is a huge boost and encouragement to me to continue with the community contributions I have been part of for some years,” she said.
She said she intended to use part of her prize money towards her education as well as fund various interests to broaden her skill set.
As to how she got into the Zonta International programme for young women, she said in applying to enter the programme, she was given the chance to express her personal goals, speak about her leadership positions, her roles in community service and her involvement in international events.
Apart from being the Head Girl at her school, Miss Baer was involved in various co-curricular activities including being the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s publication, the Blueprint.
Her previous community service involved raising nearly GH¢100,000 to refurbish the Kindergarten washroom at the Dzorwulu A and B Primary School.