A UCT student, Cynthia Nyongesa, has made the top-50 shortlist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2023.
The Varkey Foundation, a global educational organisation, and an American educational-tools company established the prize in 2021. It recognises students who have made an impact on learning during the past year. The winner will receive $100 000 (R1.85 million).
Ms Nyongesa, 27, is originally from Nairobi, in Kenya, but now lives in Rosebank. She is studying a Master’s in law degree.
The project she submitted is a website called “Cynthia Untamed”, which she says shares inspiring stories about people working for positive change in Africa.
“Through interviews and opinion pieces, it shines a spotlight on incredible individuals who are having a positive impact on their community, from activists advocating against gender violence, to those seeking solutions to child poverty.
“Cynthia Untamed is also an educational and entertainment platform where young people can learn how to access opportunities, such as how to start working for the United Nations.”
Ms Nyongesa has also registered a non-profit organisation called the Untamed Project.
“The Untamed Project aims to address the infrastructural challenges facing children’s education in Africa, particularly the inadequate supply of books, digital equipment, and sanitation facilities.”
Ms Nyongesa said was grateful for the Global Student competition as it was a chance to tell her story and shine a light on the importance of children’s education.
“I am also excited to connect with the other top 50 finalists.”
The head of Chegg.org, Heather Hatlo Porter, said, “We are at a critical turning point as we face some of the greatest challenges in history. Students worldwide are keenly aware of this urgency, and they are leveraging their ingenuity to overcome the significant obstacles facing them to build a better future for us all.”
Ms Porter congratulated Ms Ngongesa for making the top-50 shortlist.
The top-10 finalists are expected to be announced later this month.