Pinay teen wins Zonta global award
08/25/2011
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| Arriza Ann Sahi-Nocum, the first Filipina recipient of Zonta International's YWPA award. Photo from Zonta International's website |
MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino Muslim woman was globally recognized for her work in helping build libraries and distribute books in war-torn areas.
Arriza Ann Sahi-Nocum, 16, is one of the 5 recipients of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) award of Zonta International, a global organization that aims to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.
The 4 other awardees are Emily Kvalheim of the United States, Nasma Dasser of Switzerland, Anjali Chandrashekar of India and Mehitabel Markwei of Ghana.
An awarding ceremony will be held on August 27 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.
"I dedicate this award to our Christian and Muslim scholars and library users whose determination to pursue their dreams amid war, hunger and extreme poverty inspires me to work harder to improve myself and to pursue our advocacy work amid my busy school schedules," said Nocum, who is the first Filipina to receive the YWPA award.
The 5 awardees will receive $3,000 each from the Zonta International Foundation.
Nocum will get an additional $1,000 for besting other finalists in the Zonta International District 17, which comprises the organization's clubs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Kris Library
Nocum earned the YWPA award for her work in Kristiyano-Islam Peace Library (Kris Library), which was put up by her Roman Catholic father and Muslim mother in 2001. The non-profit organization aims to eradicate poverty and conflict by educating the youth.
The Kris Library has so far established 5 libraries: in a slum area in Quezon City; in a resettlement area for victims of typhoon "Ondoy" in Montalban, Rizal; in a suspected jump-off point of the Abu Sayyaf in Zamboanga City; and 2 others in a Moro Islamic Liberation Front stronghold in Tungawan, Zamboanga del Sur.
It has also awarded 101 scholarship grants to poor children in these areas, provided free computer use and basic computer lessons, and donated thousands of books and school supplies with the help of donors.
As an administrator, Nocum sorts books at the libraries, writes news articles and letters to donors, facilitates activities with children, and interacts with volunteers, donors and partners of the organization.
"My dad always tells me: every book we get from our donors and send to the kids takes them one step away from poverty and one step towards a better life. That's what I believe in, too," she said.
Nocum is an honor graduate of the Philippine Science High School. She is currently a freshman and Oblation Scholar at the University of the Philippines, taking up industrial engineering.
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