NELSON OCHIENG OPANY // Messengers of Peace Hero 2013 // Kenya - Africa
Left to Right: Ms. Atta Verin from Indonesia, Mr. John Geoghegan, Director, World Scout Foundation and Nelson Opany at the MoP Heroes Award Ceremony in Al Baha in the Kingdom of Saudi Aarabia
Nelson Ochieng Opany is a passionate and charismatic young leader with experience in climate change advocacy, peace building, youth empowerment and community development at local, national and international levels. Nelson is the Messengers of Peace National Coordinator in Kenya, where he also serves as the National Youth Representative and Chairperson of the Eastern Africa Zonal Scout Youth Forum. In August this year, he was the only one from the Africa region nominated for the Messengers of Peace Heroes Award by the World Scout Bureau in Geneva. Other nominees included Umit Savas Baran from Turkey, Guadalupe Sanmateu from Geneva, Atta Verin ftom Indonesia, Sophie Urbano Castillo from Phillipines, Irina Pruidze from Georgia and Jameel from Saudi Arabia. “A scout is never taken by surprise. He knows exactly what to do when something unexpected happens.” These words by Baden Powell were the inscription on the MoP Heroes trophies they received. The awards recognizes scouts who have done exemplary work in promoting the Messengers of Peace initiative in their countries as well as involved in projects that help advance the cause of scouting to create a better world. The Award ceremony took place on 23rd September 2013 at a Scout Ceremony to mark the 83rd Saudi national Day in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. The seven heroes received their awards jointly from their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, Minister for Education and Chief Scout of Saudi Arabian Scouts Association and Prince Mushari Bin Mohammed, the Governor of Al Baha Region. Mr. Siegfried Weiser, World Scout Foundation Board Chairman, Mr. John Geoghegan, Director, World Scout Foundation, Mr. Peter Illig, WOSM Global Projects Coordinator among other dignitaries were also present. While accepting the Award he said, “When I began my work with MoP in Kenya last year the country was going through tough times of national reconciliation and healing. Together with the rest of my team of Rover Scouts at Kenya Scouts Association, we tried in our own little ways to contribute to that process through various action across the country. I must confess, that I didn’t see it coming-‐it caught me by surprise. However, I am all the same delighted to accept this great recognition. For me it is a testimony of what it means to do something out of passion without expecting any reward for it, but because it is the right thing to do.” The Africa Scout Region joins Kenya Scouts Association in congratulating Nelson on attaining this global recognition. We believe he is an inspiration and role model to many other young people across the continent and wish him well in his future work with Scouting. Bravo to our Messengers of Peace Hero!