International Children's Peace Prize
International Children's Peace Prize
The International Children's Peace Prize is awarded annually to a child who has made a significant contribution to advocating children's rights and improving the situation of vulnerable children such as orphans, child labourers and children with HIV/AIDS.The prize is an initiative of Marc Dullaert, founder of the KidsRights Foundation, an international children's aid and advocacy organisation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.The winner receives a 100,000 euro donation to benefit a charitable project for children, as well as a statuette, the Nkosi, named in honour of Nkosi Johnson. The statuette is of a child pushing a ball, "show[ing] how a child sets the world in motion."
| Sl | Name | Country | Flag | Year | Awarded For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Nila Ibrahimi | Canada | 2024 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 21 | Sofia Tereshchenko, Anastasia Feskova and Anastasia Demchenko | Ukraine | 2023 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 20 | Rena Kawasaki | Japan | 2022 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 19 | Nav Agarwal | India | 2022 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 18 | Vihaan | India | 2021 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 17 | Sadat Rahman | Bangladesh | 2020 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 16 | Divina Maloum | Cameroon | 2019 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 15 | Greta Thunberg | Sweden | 2019 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 14 | March for Our Lives | United States | 2018 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 13 | Mohamad Al Jounde | Syria | 2017 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 12 | Kehkashan Basu | United Arab Emirates | 2016 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 11 | Abraham Keita | Liberia | 2015 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 10 | Neha Gupta | United States | 2014 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 9 | Malala Yousafzai | Pakistan | 2013 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 8 | Kesz Valdez | Philippines | 2012 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 7 | Michaela Mycroft | South Africa | 2011 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 6 | Francia Simon | Dominican Republic | 2010 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 5 | Baruani Ndume | Tanzania | 2009 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 4 | Mayra Avellar Neves | Brazil | 2008 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 3 | Thandiwe Chama | Zambia | 2007 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 2 | Om Prakash Gurjar | India | 2006 | for fighting courageously for children's rights | |
| 1 | Nkosi Johnson | South Africa | 2005 | for fighting courageously for children's rights |
International Children's Peace Prize Laureates (2030 ~ 2021)
Nila Ibrahimi
International Children's Peace Prize 2024
Nila Ibrahimi: Youth Activist and Peace Prize LaureateNila Ibrahimi (born 2007) is an ethnic Hazara activist and singer from Afghanistan, known for her fearless advocacy for girls' education and women's rights. At a young age, her resilience and willingness to use her voice—literally—catapulted her into the global spotlight. She is currently based in Canada as a refugee, where she continues her mission.The Act of Protest: The Viral SongNila's activism began in March 2021, before the Taliban takeover, when the Kabul Education Directorate issued a discriminatory ban preventing schoolgirls over the age of 12 from singing in public.Defiance: At just 14 years old, Nila refused to be silenced. She recorded a video of herself singing a powerful protest song and published it online, launching the viral #IAmMySong campaign.Impact: Her courageous video inspired thousands of other Afghan girls to raise their voices. The collective pressure and public outcry were so significant that the then-government was forced to reverse the discriminatory ban within three weeks.Flight and Continued Global AdvocacyFollowing the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Nila's high-profile activism and her membership in the Hazara ethnic minority made her a direct target. She and her family were forced to flee Afghanistan.Refugee Journey: With assistance from the 30 Birds Foundation, Nila and her family escaped to Pakistan before eventually resettling in Canada. While in Pakistan, she helped raise funds for the evacuation of other vulnerable Afghan girls.Her Story Initiative: After arriving in Canada, Nila co-founded Her Story, an initiative dedicated to providing a safe, global platform for Afghan girls and women—both inside Afghanistan and in the diaspora—to share their life stories of resilience, hope, and courage.International Stage: Nila now uses her voice to represent the millions of Afghan girls denied education, speaking at global forums including the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy and the TED conference.Key RecognitionsNila Ibrahimi's dedication to social justice has earned her high international honors:International Children's Peace Prize (2024): Nila was awarded this prestigious prize (whose past winners include Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg) for her brave and persistent fight to secure girls' education and freedom of expression.UN Young Leaders for the SDGs (2025 Cohort): She was named one of the 17 United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals, where she will spend two years working to amplify the voices of Afghan girls globally.Other Honors: She has also been recognized by CNN's As Equals and received King Charles III's Coronation Medal for her leadership.
Sofia, Feskova & Demchenko
International Children's Peace Prize 2023
The Children's Peace Prize Winners (Sofiia Tereshchenko, Anastasiia Feskova, and Anastasiia Demchenko)
This group refers to three Ukrainian teenagers who jointly won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize in 2023 for their work creating mobile applications to help child refugees.Who they are: Sofiia Tereshchenko (18), Anastasiia Feskova (17), and Anastasiia Demchenko (17) (ages at the time of the award).Their Situation: They are refugees themselves, having fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. They were located in different countries (USA, UK, and Japan) when they developed their projects.The Project: They created two apps under their non-profit, 'SVIT':Refee App: Designed for young refugees aged 4 to 11, it provides necessary information for safety, food, and shelter, and includes basic communication tools for settling into a new country.Svity App: Designed for older children (above 16), it facilitates safe communication and integration between refugee youth and children from their host communities.Recognition: They were awarded the International Children's Peace Prize for their courage, resilience, and compassion in using technology to safeguard the rights and well-being of displaced children worldwide.
Rena Kawasaki
International Children's Peace Prize 2022
Rena Kawasaki is a prominent Japanese youth activist and social justice advocate who gained international recognition after winning the International Children's Peace Prize in 2022. Her work primarily focuses on increasing youth participation in politics and addressing environmental and social inequality in Japan.Key Achievements and Activism
Kawasaki began her activism at a young age, motivated by learning about the lack of educational access for children in other countries. She soon focused her efforts on improving the situation for youth in Japan, who she felt were often excluded from political decision-making and faced a restrictive education system.Her most significant achievements include:Pioneering Youth Political Participation
International Children's Peace Prize (2022): She won this prestigious award—whose past recipients include Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg—for her pioneering work to make young people's voices heard in governance.Earth Guardians Japan: At age 14, she founded this organization, which works to connect high school students directly with local political representatives through virtual forums."Polichat" and Local Government: She developed a digital community called "Polichat" to allow youth to ask politicians questions frankly. She also created a simple QR code system for citizens, especially young people, in Niihama City to submit ideas directly to the local government. This system was adopted city-wide.Government Advisory Role: Her advocacy led to her inclusion in major governmental projects, such as the Tokyo Bay Environmental Social Governance (eSG) Project, which aims to create a sustainable city over the next 50 to 100 years.Corporate and Environmental Leadership
Youngest CFO: Kawasaki served as the youngest-ever Chief Future Officer (CFO) for the biotech company Euglena, a firm focused on developing sustainable products and biofuel. In this role, she helped ensure that the company's long-term operations reflected the views of the younger generation.Environmental Action: Through Earth Guardians Japan, she has organized environmental initiatives, such as river water cleaning projects in Osaka.Advocacy and Education
Kawasaki advocates for collective action and emphasizes that youth are part of the present, not just the future. After experiencing cyberbullying, she also speaks out about the importance of online safety and mental health for young people.Rena Kawasaki is currently a student at Yale University, continuing her activism and aiming to use her education to implement effective societal models that give a voice to minority groups globally.
View More
Vihaan & Nav Agarwal
International Children's Peace Prize 2021
Vihaan and Nav Agarwal are highly-recognized youth environmental activists from Delhi, India, best known as the co-founders of the organization One Step Greener (OSG). They gained global recognition in 2021 when they won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize for their commitment to tackling pollution by focusing on effective waste management.The One Step Greener Initiative
The brothers' activism was sparked by the severe air pollution in Delhi, which exacerbated the asthma of the elder brother, Vihaan. A pivotal moment was the 2017 collapse of the Ghazipur landfill, which tragically killed two people and highlighted the direct link between unsegregated waste, landfill fires, and the city's poor air quality. Landfill fires contribute significantly to Delhi's air pollution (up to 33%).In 2018, Vihaan (then 14) and Nav (then 11) founded One Step Greener with the mission to divert waste from landfills and achieve a "Zero Waste India."Key Areas of Impact
Waste Management: OSG began by educating their community on the importance of waste segregation (separating dry and wet waste). They organized a city-wide system for collecting segregated waste from homes, schools, and offices, ensuring that recyclables are taken to specialized recyclers. They started with just 15 homes and have since expanded to serve over 30,000 households, recycling millions of pounds of waste.Afforestation: They also actively work to reduce pollution by undertaking plantation drives, creating mini-forests and planting native trees, with over 73,000 trees planted to date (as of a recent update).Education: Vihaan and Nav developed educational materials in both English and Hindi, including an activity book, to spread the message of sustainability and proper waste management. They have given talks and training sessions to over 45,000 young people across more than 100 schools.Social Impact: OSG prioritizes providing dignified, safe jobs to workers in the informal waste collection sector.International Recognition
In 2021, Vihaan and Nav were jointly awarded the International Children's Peace Prize by the Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. They were selected from 169 applicants from 39 countries.Vihaan and Nav are also notable for being the first Asians to win both the International Children's Peace Prize and the Children's Climate Prize. As of recent reports, both brothers are pursuing higher education at Stanford University, while their organization, One Step Greener, continues to grow, operating in multiple cities across India. Their core message to young people is to "take that one step" and not fear the challenge of climate change.
International Children's Peace Prize Laureates (2020 ~ 2011)
Sadat Rahman
International Children's Peace Prize 2020
Sadat Rahman is a young Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and activist who gained global recognition for his work combating cyberbullying.Key Achievements and Initiatives
International Children's Peace Prize: Sadat Rahman won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize in 2020 at the age of 17. The award was presented to him by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.Cyber Teens App: He is the founder of the mobile app and youth organization, Cyber Teens. He was inspired to create the app after hearing the story of a 15-year-old girl in his area who committed suicide after suffering from cyberbullying.Purpose of Cyber Teens: The app provides a confidential platform where teenagers in Bangladesh can report various forms of cyberbullying and cybercrime. Sadat's organization, which includes volunteers, cyber specialists, social workers, and police, works together to offer support, advice, and take action against perpetrators.Impact: Since its inception, the Cyber Teens initiative has supported hundreds of victims of cyberbullying, helped resolve numerous complaints, and led to the arrest of several cybercriminals.Expansion: Following his award, the organization, now known as the Cyber Teens Foundation, has grown tremendously, expanding its reach across various districts in Bangladesh. They also launched a national toll-free helpline number (13219) specifically for young people aged 13 to 19, making it easier for victims to seek help.Ambassador Role: Sadat Rahman also serves as a goodwill ambassador for Casio.He continues his work to raise awareness about digital literacy and cyber safety, aspiring to see a world where young people feel safe online.
Divina Maloum
International Children's Peace Prize 2019
Divina Maloum is a remarkable Cameroonian children's rights activist recognized globally for her courageous efforts to combat extremism and violence. In 2019, she was the co-recipient of the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize, sharing the honor with Greta Thunberg.Maloum's dedication arose from witnessing the impact of groups like Boko Haram in Cameroon and the Lake Chad region, where children are highly vulnerable to violence and radicalization. To empower her peers, she founded the organization Children for Peace (C4P).C4P is a youth-led movement focused on peace education. Through workshops, peace clubs, and advocacy, they educate children in vulnerable communities about their fundamental rights and how to identify and resist radicalization. Her message is clear: children can be powerful agents of peace in conflict zones.By mobilizing thousands of young people to stand up for tolerance and non-violence, Divina Maloum provides both practical and psychological protection, helping her generation build a more stable and hopeful future.
Greta Thunberg
International Children's Peace Prize 2019
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who, at age 15, ignited a global youth movement demanding urgent political action against the climate crisis. Her activism began in August 2018 when she staged a solitary protest outside the Swedish Parliament, holding a sign that read "Skolstrejk för klimatet" (School strike for the climate).Her uncompromising and scientifically-grounded demand—that world leaders treat climate change as an emergency and adhere to the Paris Agreement—quickly resonated globally. Her weekly protest grew into the international Fridays for Future movement, inspiring millions of students across continents to walk out of class and strike.Thunberg’s direct, no-nonsense speeches, including her famous "How dare you?" address at the UN, made her the defining voice of her generation on this issue. She has addressed numerous global forums, met with countless world leaders, and sailed across the Atlantic twice to reduce her carbon footprint. Recognized as Time Person of the Year in 2019, she continues to mobilize youth action, emphasizing that systemic change must be led by those in power. She also shared the 2019 International Children's Peace Prize with Divina Maloum.
View More
March for Our Lives
International Children's Peace Prize 2018
The March for Our Lives (MFOL) is a student-led movement advocating for stricter gun control laws in the United States. It was founded by student survivors of the February 14, 2018, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, including prominent figures like David Hogg, Emma González, and Jaclyn Corin.The primary objective of MFOL is to end gun violence and mass shootings through legislative changes, such as universal background checks, banning assault weapons, and closing legal loopholes.The movement’s inaugural and most significant event was the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. on March 24, 2018, which was one of the largest student-led protests in American history. Since then, the organization has shifted from purely organizing demonstrations to focused political advocacy, voter registration drives, and demanding action from elected officials at all levels of government. MFOL emphasizes the power of youth activism and voting to effect real change.
Mohamad Al Jounde
International Children's Peace Prize 2017
Mohamad Al Jounde is a Syrian refugee and educational activist who won the International Children's Peace Prize in 2017 for his work providing education to displaced children.Born in Syria, Mohamad was just twelve when he fled the civil war with his family and settled in a refugee camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Recognizing the lack of educational facilities, he took the initiative to build a school, which he constructed with his father and some family members using scrap wood and tent materials.At the age of 16, he was managing the school and teaching over 200 refugee children various subjects, including English, math, and photography, demonstrating remarkable leadership. His goal was not only to provide basic education but also to offer the children a sense of normalcy, stability, and hope away from the turmoil of conflict. The school became an official part of the Kayany Foundation, highlighting the success and sustainability of his efforts.Mohamad Al Jounde's story serves as a powerful example of the resilience and resourcefulness of young people in crisis, proving that education is a crucial foundation for peace.
Kehkashan Basu
International Children's Peace Prize 2016
Kehkashan Basu is a globally recognized environmental and human rights activist from the UAE (originally from India), famous for her relentless work promoting sustainability and children’s rights.In 2016, she won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize for her efforts to combat climate change and educate children on environmental justice. Her journey began at age eight when she planted her first tree and later, at age 12, she founded Green Hope Foundation.This foundation is a youth-led organization that now operates in over 25 countries, engaging young people in grassroots projects focused on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and social equity. Kehkashan’s work emphasizes the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes the idea of "solarizing" education—teaching students to be advocates for environmental protection. She has addressed numerous international forums, including the UN, and continues to inspire young people to take practical steps for a greener future.
Abraham Keita
International Children's Peace Prize 2015
Abraham Keita is a Liberian youth activist who became the youngest person to win the International Children's Peace Prize in 2015, at the age of 17. .Keita was recognized for his extraordinary courage in speaking out against judicial injustice and standing up for the rights of vulnerable children in Liberia, particularly victims of violence and sexual abuse. He began his advocacy work at age nine, organizing his schoolmates to protest against government inaction on child abuse cases.He founded the Liberia Crusaders for Peace youth division, where he personally investigates cases of child abuse and rape. He then pressures local authorities, including the police and judges, to ensure these cases are properly investigated, prosecuted, and that the children receive justice and support. Keita has successfully helped bring numerous cases to court, challenging the culture of impunity in Liberia. His work highlights the critical need for an effective legal system that protects children's rights.
Neha Gupta
International Children's Peace Prize 2014
Neha Gupta is an American social activist and philanthropist who won the International Children's Peace Prize in 2014 for her dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged children globally. .Her motivation stemmed from her childhood visits to her grandparents in India, where she was deeply affected by the poverty and lack of basic necessities experienced by children living in orphanages. At the age of nine, she founded Empower Orphans, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and providing resources to orphanages in India and parts of Africa.Empower Orphans focuses on providing essential items like school supplies, clothing, and books, as well as educational opportunities, including computer training and vocational skills, to help children become self-sufficient. Through her tireless efforts, Neha Gupta has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, transforming the lives of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children by securing their education and future.
Malala Yousafzai
International Children's Peace Prize 2013
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist globally renowned for her brave advocacy of female education. . She first gained international attention for blogging anonymously about life under Taliban rule in the Swat Valley, where girls were banned from attending school. Her activism became highly visible, leading to her being targeted. In October 2012, she was shot by a Taliban gunman on her school bus but miraculously survived.After recovering, Malala continued her mission from the United Kingdom, turning her personal tragedy into a global platform. She co-founded the Malala Fund, an international non-profit dedicated to ensuring every girl has access to 12 years of free, safe, quality education.In 2014, at the age of 17, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, sharing the award with Kailash Satyarthi. Malala’s unwavering commitment to the right to education has made her one of the world's most inspirational figures, proving that the voice of one young person can challenge global injustice.
Kesz Valdez
International Children's Peace Prize 2012
Kesz Valdez is a Filipino youth activist and humanitarian who was awarded the International Children's Peace Prize in 2012 for his work helping street children in the Philippines. .Kesz’s activism is rooted in his own difficult childhood experience. He was a former homeless child who survived abuse and injury while living on the streets, often scavenging in a garbage dump near Cavite City. After receiving medical care and support from a local organization at the age of seven, he vowed to help others facing similar circumstances.He founded the organization Championing Community Children (C3), which focuses on providing essential needs, hygiene kits, and crucial education on health, sanitation, and children's rights to street kids. Kesz and his team personally reach out to thousands of vulnerable children living in dumpsites, cemeteries, and on riverbanks. His mission is to instill hope and self-worth in these children and protect them from abuse, ensuring they know they have rights and are not forgotten.
Michaela Mycroft
International Children's Peace Prize 2011
Michaela Mycroft is a remarkable South African activist who won the International Children's Peace Prize in 2011 for her persistent efforts to secure the right to education for children with disabilities. .Michaela herself lives with cerebral palsy, which requires her to use a wheelchair and assistive technology. Her personal experience navigating a world not built for the disabled fueled her advocacy. She realized that many schools in South Africa were not accessible, denying thousands of children with physical challenges the opportunity to learn.She launched her campaign, Project Wheelchair, to lobby the government to ensure every child has equal access to education. Her efforts focused on making schools physically accessible and providing the necessary support resources. She is also an inspirational athlete, having completed challenging events like the Cape Argus Cycle Tour, demonstrating that disability is not inability. Michaela’s work continues to break down physical and societal barriers, championing inclusion and equal rights for all children.
International Children's Peace Prize Laureates (2010 ~ 2001)
Francia Simon
International Children's Peace Prize 2010
Francia Simon is a youth activist from the Dominican Republic who won the International Children's Peace Prize in 2010 for her dedicated work against child domestic labor. .Having grown up in an impoverished area, Francia was acutely aware of the vulnerability of children, particularly young girls, who were often sent away from their families to work as domestic servants, known as criaditas. This practice frequently exposed them to long hours, poor working conditions, and physical or sexual abuse, effectively denying them their right to education and a normal childhood.At just 12 years old, she began collaborating with the Movimiento de Muchachas (Movement of Girls) to advocate for the rights of these young domestic workers. Francia organized educational meetings, workshops, and awareness campaigns in her community. Her efforts aimed to inform families and the public about the legal protections for children and to provide the criaditas themselves with a voice and the tools to understand and defend their rights. Her passionate work shone a light on this hidden form of exploitation in her country.
Baruani Ndume
International Children's Peace Prize 2009
Baruani Ndume is a Congolese youth activist who won the International Children's Peace Prize in 2009 for his tireless work on behalf of children affected by the long-running conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).His activism centered on the severe issue of child soldiers. Ndume personally dedicated himself to the reintegration of demobilized children, recognizing that these young people, often traumatized by forced recruitment into armed groups, needed psychological healing and community acceptance. He focused on providing them with basic necessities and facilitating their enrollment in education.Ndume’s foundation and community work help these former combatants bridge the gap between their violent past and a hopeful future. He advocates for peace and reconciliation, demonstrating immense courage in challenging the stigma associated with being a child soldier. His commitment ensures that children, regardless of their past, have a right to safety, support, and a pathway to reclaiming their childhoods.
Mayra Avellar Neves
International Children's Peace Prize 2008
Mayra Avellar Neves is a courageous Brazilian youth activist who brought global attention to the harsh reality of children growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. She was awarded the International Children's Peace Prize in 2008 for her tireless work against violence and abuse in her community.Growing up in the sprawling Complexo do Alemão favela, Mayra witnessed firsthand the pervasive impact of drug-related gang violence, police operations, and extreme poverty on young residents. She recognized that children were frequently victims of violence, neglect, and forced recruitment into drug trafficking.At the age of 14, Mayra became an advocate, actively documenting the human rights violations and injustices committed against children in the favela. She worked with local groups to educate her peers about their rights, provide a safe space for them to discuss their trauma, and offer a confidential platform to report abuse. Her efforts focused on preventing children from being drawn into the drug trade and ensuring they had access to safety and education.Mayra's courageous activism helped shine a necessary international spotlight on the challenges faced by Brazilian children living in extreme conflict and poverty.
View More
Thandiwe Chama
International Children's Peace Prize 2007
Thandiwe Chama is a Zambian education advocate who received the International Children's Peace Prize in 2007 for her campaign to ensure all children have the right to a quality primary education. .Her activism began when she was only 10 years old and her school in Zambia was unexpectedly closed. Recognizing that this action would deny hundreds of children their fundamental right to learn, Thandiwe refused to stay silent. She organized a protest involving her classmates, marching to the offices of local education officials to demand the school be reopened.Her initial efforts were successful, but she didn't stop there. Thandiwe realized the wider issue of access and safety in education for children in her country. She continued to lobby her community and authorities, highlighting the need for better resources and accessible schooling for everyone. Her courage in standing up to adults and her unwavering belief in the power of education made her a powerful role model, demonstrating how young people can effect significant policy change.
Om Prakash Gurjar
International Children's Peace Prize 2006
Om Prakash Gurjar is an Indian activist who championed the cause of ending child labor and ensuring the right to education for thousands of children in rural India. .Born into a marginalized family, Om Prakash was a former child laborer himself, working for years in harsh conditions before being rescued. This personal experience fueled his dedication to freeing other children from exploitation. In 2006, at the age of 14, he was recognized for his immense contribution and became the joint winner of the International Children's Peace Prize, sharing the honor with Awad al-Dulaimi.Om Prakash became an integral part of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), founded by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. He actively participated in rescue operations, helping to liberate children trapped in factories and fields. More importantly, he advocated tirelessly for their rehabilitation, focusing on enrolling them in school and supporting their transition back to a life of learning and safety. His work continues to be a powerful symbol of resilience against exploitation.
Nkosi Johnson
International Children's Peace Prize 2005
Nkosi Johnson was a courageous South African child activist who became a national symbol in the fight against the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Born with the virus, his story gained international attention in 1997 when a primary school initially refused to admit him solely due to his HIV status, sparking a public outcry that forced the government to confront widespread discrimination.Nkosi’s most enduring contribution came through his powerful, emotional speech at the 13th International AIDS Conference in Durban in 2000. He made a heartfelt plea for acceptance, famously telling the world: "We are human beings. We are normal. Please accept us."Together with his foster mother, Gail Johnson, he helped establish Nkosi’s Haven, a sanctuary that provides care, support, and a safe home for HIV-positive mothers and their children. Nkosi tragically passed away in 2001 at the age of 11. Four years later, he was named the posthumous inaugural recipient of the International Children's Peace Prize in 2005, recognizing his profound and lasting impact on combating prejudice and securing dignity for people living with HIV/AIDS.