Out of 400 nominees from all over the Philippines, NAIS Manila's Head Student, Lia Jorge, Year 12, was recognised as one of the top young Filipinas who inspire and break boundaries in the recently launched Excellence Leadership Award by the Austrian Embassy in the Philippines.
In commemoration of International Human Rights Day and the end of the 18-day campaign against gender-based violence in the country, the Austrian Embassy-Manila in partnership with the Phillippine Commission on Women and the Renaissance Youth Leaders Forum launched the Leadership Excellence Award for Girls.
The Awards aims to recognise the next generation of female leadership in the Philippines.
Out of 400 nominations, 6 students from all over the Philippines, was chosen and awarded for their competence, character, and courage.
A Virtual awarding ceremony was held last 12th December 2020, and was broadcasted live on the Austrian Embassy of Manila's Facebook Page.
Click this link to watch the whole ceremony:
The 6 honorees were awarded by Her Excellency Bita Rasoulian, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines, with keynote speaker Dr. Edit Schlaffer, Founder of Women without Borders, an international organization based in Vienna that works to empower women as agents of change around the world.
We caught up with Lia and asked her about her reaction to the award...
How did you feel about receiving the award?
Once I found out I got the award, I was overcome by a wave of motivation. I was really happy to know that I was able to make an impact and take a small step forward towards creating a world without inequalities. I now feel motivated to try harder and to be even more ambitious in the future! I am so extremely lucky to have this opportunity since I would not have been able to do this all myself.
What does the award mean to you?
Lia J: This award is a chance for me to use my platform to make a change in my community. I feel truly fortunate to be able to inspire young girls and make an impact on the world we have today. As Head Student, it is important that I can be a role model to those around me. This award gives me the chance to empower students, all over the world regardless of gender or age.
Why do you think it is important for students to care about legislation and creating change?
Lia J: It is extremely important for students and the youth to be politically aware and active because we have the power to create the society, we want to live in. The future is in our hands. Knowing about the right qualities of a leader is the first step to electing the right leaders to represent us and it is important that the youth understand how this can impact our daily lives.
Any last words?
Lia J: More than a school, NAIS Manila has become a community where I am able to freely express my thoughts and creativity to be able to grow as a student. I am very thankful that NAIS Manila has given me so many opportunities to be who I am and encourage me to be better. By providing me access to MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF, NAIS Manila has allowed me to explore different countries and different cultures with students from all around the world. NAIS Manila has been the key player in enabling me as a leader, helping me enhance skills such as public speaking, leadership skills, and teamwork.
And I appreciate our school's dedication to their students, both as children and as pupils. By accommodating all students, no matter the age or academic ability, and allowing us to grow to become the best person we can be. The most commendable aspect of NAIS Manila is how our teachers constantly encourage us to be creative and innovative, exposing us to different ideas to encourage us to challenge our own thinking. It is amazing to see how our school has become a family that accommodates all.
Lia Jorge, Year 12, Head Student
