These exceptional young people have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise their own generation to service their communities through campaigning, volunteering, fundraising, fighting injustice or overcoming extreme life challenges. Although their causes and backgrounds are varied, what they all have in common is that they are changing their communities and the world.
After her brother was diagnosed with Autism, Aimée struggled to find the resources to help her understand his diagnosis. Whilst on the Young Enterprise NI Company programme, Aimée and her team set up a student business to publish ‘No Two Stars are the Same’, a book for young people to turn to for support. Aimée went on to set up social enterprise ‘Stellas’, where she wrote a second book and established a ‘buy one, give one’ model, so that young people can access support in school.
Aimée has received a ‘Young Enterprise Journey Award’ for her work to raise awareness of Autism and is also the ‘Young Ambassador for Social Enterprise NI’, inspiring young social entrepreneurs.
Aimée was nominated by Young Enterprise NI who have watched her growth as an alumni of the programme. CEO of Young Enterprise NI, Carol Fitzsimons MBE, explains, “we were delighted to nominate Aimée for the Diana Award, in recognition of her achievements in developing her social enterprise, Books by Stellas, in support of better understanding of autism. Over the last 3 years, I have seen her grow in confidence and become a well known face as a Young Ambassador for Social Enterprise NI.”
Aimée says, “I am honoured to receive this incredible award in memory of the ‘People’s Princess’. This award means so much to me, not just because as I follow in the footsteps of alumni before me, but most importantly it shows the impact Diana created and still does changing the world to this day. This is a true affirmation of the work I have done over the last 2-3 years, with the goal of creating awareness and leaving the world a little better.
I am very excited to get involved in the Diana Award programmes and get to meet the rest of the recipients. I want to say a huge thank you to Young Enterprise NI for nominating me for the prestigious award and highlighted the important work I do with Books By Stellas. I am very excited to get involved in the Diana Award programmes and get to meet the rest of the recipients. “
The Diana Award develops and inspires positive change in the lives of young people through three key programmes which include; a mentoring programme for young people at risk, a youth-led anti-bullying ambassadors campaign and a prestigious award which publicly recognises young people – The Diana Award.
Sandara Kelso-Robb MBE, the Northern Ireland Ambassador for The Diana Award and judge panel member: “I congratulate Aimée as a new NI Diana Award recipient, as she joins the roll of honour of young people across the UK and all over the globe who are changemakers for their generation. We know by receiving this honour she will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens. For over twenty years The Diana Award has valued and invested in young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities and lives of others.”
The Diana Award recipients will be celebrated with an online event featuring celebrities and surprise guests to honour the young changemakers from across the world at virtual ceremony marking Princess Diana’s 60th Birthday.
Aimee Clint with Sandara Kelso-Robb and Carol Fitzsimons of Young Enterprise
Advertisement
