Amal Clooney presents the Female Empowerment award at the annual Prince’s Trust Awards.
Mal Clooney praised young female community leaders and said sustainable change “needs to be driven by the people on the ground” as she presented a special award at the Prince’s Trust Awards.
High-profile attorney and wife of Hollywood star George Clooney presented the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award to a young Tanzanian woman at Tuesday’s ceremony.
The annual Prince’s Trust Awards recognize young people who, against all odds, have thrived, improved their life chances and made a positive impact on their local community.
As a lawyer, I can work to change laws. But lasting change must be driven by local people, in the community
The Clooneys were among the stars attending the 19th annual event in London alongside British talent such as actor Stephen Graham, Eurovision star Sam Ryder and rapper Bugzy Malone.
Laureate Zamana was recognized after she launched her own campaign to support and encourage girls in Tanzania to stay in school.
The campaign translates as “Allow me to learn” and focuses on teaching schoolchildren and their parents the importance of completing their education.
Presenting her Women’s Empowerment Award, Amal Clooney said, “As a lawyer, I can work to change laws.
“But lasting change needs to be driven by local people, in the community. Sometimes these leaders can be found in girls as young as 16. Like Zamana, whom we honor today.
“Zamana told me that one of the ways she convinces parents to let girls go to university is by showing them pictures of successful women – and I have no doubt that one day she will be one of them.”
Elsewhere, This Is England star and Prince’s Trust Ambassador Graham read a letter from the King to the audience.
The actor also presented the Homesense Young Achiever of the Year award to 24-year-old Joanna Drewett, from South Manchester.
Ms Drewett was committed to a psychiatric hospital when she was 15, which interrupted her education and she finished school with just three GCSEs before turning to the Prince’s Trust.
Presenting her with the award, Graham said: “Joanna should be very proud of herself.
“She has not let life’s challenges hold her back and is now thriving, loving and enjoying life’s experiences.
“This is a real testament to their strength and determination. Congratulations on the award and good luck in your future endeavors.”
The awards were also presented by celebrity supporters and Prince’s Trust ambassadors including Edward Enninful, Geri Horner, Fearne Cotton, Holly Willoughby, Rylan Clark and Kate Garraway.
Tuesday’s event was moderated by celebrity presenters and longtime Prince’s Trust ambassadors Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly and included an appearance by Ryder.
Ryder, who was instrumental in the recent Eurovision Song Contest celebrations in Liverpool, said he had “nothing but respect” for those who have overcome “difficulties and challenges” in life.
“Being close to that type of energy stimulates the transmission and radiance of that type of energy from your own life, heart and spirit,” he told the PA news agency on the event’s carpet.
“Ever since I was about 14 I dreamed of a career in music. It took a long time and the only thing I can take back from it is just never giving up.
“You have this feeling and this fire in your heart that you don’t want to share music with complete strangers for any reason other than connecting and enriching your life that way.
“So I have nothing but respect for people who have the same spirit and power.”
He added, “Whatever life throws at you, whatever failures, difficulties and challenges, you will never stop searching for the light.”
Charles will meet the winners of this year’s Prince’s Trust Awards at a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/amal-clooney-prince-s-trust-awards-london-george-clooney-ant-mcpartlin-b1081591.html Amal Clooney presents the Female Empowerment award at the annual Prince’s Trust Awards.
