Young Zimbabwean James Bayanai is 2013 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the world award finalist

ZIMBABWE On 2nd August 2013, JCI announced the 20 finalists in the 2013 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the world program (JCI TOYP). Among the finalists is Zimbabwean youth empowerment advocate James Bayanai.

The competition is a global program of JCI (Junior Chamber International), a global network of young active citizens with over two hundred thousand members, JCI Senators and senior members in more than 100 countries and territories. JCI Zimbabwe is one of the more than 100 national organizations of JCI.

"The TOYP program serves to recognize those individuals in our country who excel in their chosen fields, endeavours and commitment to their communities. We also hope that by recognizing these honourees we will provide fitting role models for the young leaders of tomorrow" explained Francis Mwale, 2013 President of JCI Zimbabwe. Past Zimbabwean honorees include well known personalities in Charlene Herwat, Strive Masiyiwa, Sabelo Sibanda, Betty Makoni and Tendai Wenyika-Gava.

The 20 TOYP finalists will be narrowed to the final 10 JCI TOYP honourees by not only a select judging panel, but also by the public!  Everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions on the most outstanding young leaders in our world today. The public has the opportunity to encourage family, friends, co-workers and everyone to vote at www.jci.cc/toypvote . Voting closes on August 19.

The results from the popularity vote and the final judging panel will determine the 2013 JCI TOYP Honourees. Up to 10 International Honourees will be chosen from all entries worldwide and will be invited to travel to the 2013 JCI World Congress in Brazil where their trophies will be presented to them at a formal awards ceremony.

JCI Zimbabwe strongly urges the public to vote fellow Zimbabwean James Bayanai from (here). To vote select James Bayanai profile and click the "like" button. To vote, one would need a Facebook account.

James Bayanai biography
While completing his education in his home country of Zimbabwe and entering the work force, James Bayanai became motivated to use his skills to create a better world, locally and globally. Inspired by stories of other young people taking action for positive change, Bayanai looked to his local community for challenges faced by its youth. Through his research, access to education surfaced as a growing problem in rural communities. He started a project promoting the importance of literacy, providing donated education materials to start community libraries. This was merely the first step to Bayanai's life-long journey as an active citizen.

Bayanai established the Zimbabwean Youth Development Foundation Trust and showcased his grassroots literacy work at various international youth forums to gain support and inspire others to take action for social good. He formed partnerships from other countries and communities interested in helping the education of Zimbabwe's rural youth. These international activists joined the movement by donating time, resources, and also by purchasing handmade Zimbabwean crafts and jewellery to generate funds. Sharing his passion for providing opportunities to youth, Bayanai expanded his work internationally by participating in a youth empowerment project in the slums of Brazil to keep youth away from drugs and crime.

Bayanai embraces the responsibility to educate youth by sharing his story with others, gathering support and moving others to take similar actions. Throughout his travels, he has obtained more than 60,000 books and education materials to distribute to those who need it most. He is currently working on a project educating youth about the importance of climate change and providing a sustainable scholarship fund for rural youth. Bayanayi passionately believes that education is the root of success and focuses his energy and passion to ensure each youth has access to this life-changing opportunity.