Aileen Akinyi

Aileen Akinyi (13), from Kenya, began noticing at the age of five that children in her neighbourhood often went without food. She started sharing her own meals with them. Today, she works to bring vulnerable children joy, hope and support while helping them stay in school.

Together with the children-led Destiny Helpers Charity Foundation, Aileen helps provide girls with dignity packs and supports children with their educational needs. The initiative addresses poverty and the stigma around menstruation, which contributes to school dropouts among girls in Kenya.

Aileen also acts for the environment. Since she was seven, she has taken part in more than 10 tree-planting and climate change events across Kenya. These events include public forums where communities learn about the importance of trees in tackling climate change. Some forums have reached around 500 participants, helping Aileen bring both children’s rights and environmental action to communities across the country.