Eric Asamoah Awuah, representing Ghana, has been named the 221st Commonwealth Point of Light by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, in recognition of his remarkable voluntary contribution in engaging thousands of schoolchildren in debating and critical thinking.
Eric, 32, is a debate and communications coach who founded 'Speech Forces,' an organization that has taught critical thinking and public speaking to over 30,000 students in Ghana, Nigeria, and other African nations. Eric founded the organization in 2014 with the goal of inspiring young people to better express themselves and supporting their personal growth while still pursuing their academic goals.
The project conducts significant international debating events, such as the Accra Open, and has overseen the Ghana National Debate Team since 2017, educating high school students from around Ghana to compete in events such as the World Schools Debate Championship.
As part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London in 2018, Her Majesty The Queen is thanking inspirational volunteers from all 54 Commonwealth countries for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond by recognizing one volunteer from each Commonwealth country every week. The Commonwealth Points of Light awards honor outstanding acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help motivate others to make their own commitment by sharing these stories of service.
"I am honored to be the recipient of the Points of Light Award in Ghana this year," Eric remarked. In the effort to build thinking leaders and engaged citizens in Africa, our work at 'Speech Forces,' which I am blessed to manage, educates young people from all backgrounds to think critically about issues and understand variations in opinions. I accept this award on behalf of all the volunteers, supporters, and inquisitive young minds who have kept the mission afloat. Thank you, Her Majesty The Queen, and the British High Commission in Ghana, for acknowledging our efforts."
"The Points of Light award is presented to the really inspiring working amongst us on initiatives that influence our lives," Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana, remarked.
"It was an honor and a pleasure on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen to present Eric, the creator of Speech Forces, with the 221st Commonwealth Point of Light award." Their effort to help young people in West Africa feel free to express themselves has impacted lives, as these same young people have gone on to pursue further education, internships, and professions with a sense of empowerment and confidence."
The Commonwealth is a 54-nation group that collaborates to promote prosperity, democracy, and peace. The Heads of Government summit brought together leaders from all 54 Member nations to reaffirm shared values, confront global issues, and agree on how to work together to build a brighter future for all citizens, particularly young people. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community.