World Federation of Youth Clubs honors and elevates youth and the work of youth development organizations around the world through The WFYC Promise Awards. Launched in 2021, this award program raises awareness about the importance of youth development organizations and professionals, highlights best practices in youth development around the globe, and shares stories of the creativity, courage, and resiliency of youth around the world.

2022 Promise Awards

This year’s event was shared with a global audience on September 20, 2022. We recognized seven recipients and five honorable mentions in three categories: leaders, programs, and youth. Award recipients were selected from over 60 nominations from 37 countries around the world.

2022 Awards Recipients and Finalists

This year’s recipients received video storytelling production, a professionally edited video about the recipient and their club, media training, guidance, and support to celebrate this news in their local community, and a grant to the club supporting their programs and a celebration for recognition as a 2022 Promise Awards recipient!

Award Recipients

John Lightfoot

John Lightfoot

Barton Athletic Club, United Kingdom

2022 Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award 

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Rebecca Ampah

Rebecca Ampah

Boys & Girls Clubs of Ghana, Ghana

2022 Leadership Pioneer Award

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Dimitris Giannakakis

Dimitris Giannakakis

Field of Life, Greece

 2022 Leadership Excellence Award 

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STAR English Program

STAR English Program

Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico

2022 Education Program Impact Award 

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Sustainable Food Program

Sustainable Food Program

Clubs de Niños y Niñas de Guatemala & El Salvador

2022 Health Program Impact Award

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Annet

Annet

Petros Zoe Initiative, Uganda

2022 Youth Inspiration Award

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Enock

Enock

Boys & Girls Clubs of Ghana, Ghana

2022 Youth Changemaker Award

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Finalists

Abubakar Kinene

Abubakar Kinene

Petros Zoe Initiative, Uganda

Mariam Namulondo

Mariam Namulondo

Petros Zoe Initiative, Uganda

Community Action Teams

Community Action Teams

Petros Zoe Initiative, Uganda

Andrea

Andrea

Club de Niños, Niñas y Jóvenes de Venezuela, Venezuela

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Elliot

Elliot

Club de Niños y Niñas de Hidalgo, Mexico

2022 Selection Committee

David Evangelista

David Evangelista

Special Olympics

Gerald Mballe

Gerald Mballe

Special Olympics

Rob Parker

Rob Parker

Trilith

Liz Twyford

Liz Twyford

Unicef UK

Gilles Virgili

Gilles Virgili

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Teresa Walch

Teresa Walch

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Frequently Asked Questions

Have there been any changes to the program since last year?

The application process is very similar to the 2021 Promise Award. Affiliate members can expect a similar feel and look to the application process. Please attend the Information Session for more questions and information about the program this year. 

My organization was recognized last year. Are we eligible to apply again in 2022?

Yes!

Who can apply?

Any WFYC affiliate member staff, volunteer, board or youth can apply. It is recommended that applicants work with their club leadership on the application. 

When do I apply?

From May 1 to May 31, an application form will be available on the WFYC website. Applicants will need to provide basic information (name, organization, country, etc.) and a short narrative about the leader, program, or youth they are nominating. 

What is the award?

Award recipients will receive recognition in WFYC communications, an official award video, a communications kit to help promote this recognition, and a grant to their club. 

What is the award process?

Applications will be reviewed by the Promise Awards selection committee in June. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information after submitting their application, such as photos, detailed explanations, or other proof of accomplishments. Winners will be contacted in July, and will begin working with WFYC on event production, including recording a video for the event. Award recipients will be announced in September at a special award celebration that all members of the WFYC community are invited to and encouraged to attend. 

How many awards are there?

A minimum of two awards will be granted per category (leadership, program, youth). However, the total number of awards given will be decided by the Promise Award Committee and will be dependent upon the total number and quality of applications received. 

Can my organization apply for more than one award?

Yes! All our Affiliate members, no matter how big or small, make an impact. Affiliates are encouraged to apply for more than one award to highlight all their outstanding nominees.

What makes a strong application?

Every youth, leader and program is unique. The strongest applications are clear, complete, detailed, and include specific information about the nominee. For example, if a youth has great grades and volunteers in their community, be sure to explain what subjects they excel at, where they volunteer and who they help, and what barriers they had to overcome to be the person they are today. Use the application to tell a story about the nominee! WFYC encourages applicants to include optional pieces, such as videos, news articles, other awards, or anything else that will help the Selection Committee learn more about the nominee’s work and impact. 

Who can I contact for more questions?

For questions or more information, please contact Abby Lemay, Director of Global Affiliate Initiatives at alemay@wfyc.org

Meet the 2021 Promise Award Recipients