Dominican elated to be selected for Queen’s Award
- June 14, 2018
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Nineteen year old Lakeyia Joseph will leave the island on Friday 15 June 2018 to travel to London where she will be awarded by The Queen for her work supporting young people in Dominica.
Joseph, who hails from Bense, was selected following a competitive process involving thousands of applicants across the Commonwealth.
She will be presented with the Queen’s Young Leader’s Award at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 26 June 2018.
Joseph is currently a student at the Dominica State College, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Entrepreneurship.
In an interview on Thursday, Joseph told Vibes news that she is proud and humbled, but anxious to be given the opportunity to represent Dominica on such a wide scale.
She noted being the only one chosen from Dominica this year, makes her feel elated and proud but anxious at the same time to represent her country.
“I am getting really anxious because tomorrow I leave and it’s going to be such a packed schedule because every day we have meetings, and conferences and trainings and then on the 26th of June we have the ceremony where we get to receive the award from the Queen”.
“So it’s kind of nerve wracking knowing that you came from such a small country, and knowing that you have to represent on such a wide scale for the entire world to see,” Joseph stated.
Joseph, who is past student of the Dominica Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, established a charity while there to assist other students in need.
To date, her charity has distributed over ten thousand dollars’ worth of supplies to children and young adults.
“So I’ve been getting people to support me, while I volunteer at different places in different school projects, and assisting students economically, financially, emotionally, and psychologically,” she explained.
She encouraged other young persons to always do their best as their background does not have to affect their future.
“I just want to tell the young persons that no matter where you come from, or what you go through, it’s not about that; it is what you make out of it. No matter what circumstance you go through, you can make something out of it, and that what the Golden opportunities Foundation is all about,” she noted.
As part of the award, Joseph will take part in a year-long leadership course run by the University of Cambridge and receive bespoke mentoring.
She will also visit the UK for a programme of high-profile networking opportunities, meetings and training designed to help them develop as leaders and work with ever greater impact.
Later this month, while in the UK, Joseph will visit 10 Downing Street, take part in masterclasses at the BBC World Service and the UK Headquarters of Facebook.
Award winners will then meet with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and High Commissioners from across the Commonwealth, before receiving their Award from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.
“If I keep it for myself then it won’t make much sense. So I think I need to radiate whatever I know and share with other young persons,” Joseph said of the training opportunities that she will benefit from.
“So, if something happens to me and I can’t do it anymore, then what I share with others, they can share with others and the work can continue going on, and on, and on,” Joseph added.
Congratulations to you miss Joseph, its amazing what a young person can do if you remain focus. Not only are you from Dominica, but a small village at that, so it shows, that it doesn’t really matter, how humble the beginning, as long as you have a willing heart God does the rest. May the Lord bless you indeed and expand you territories.
Congratulations to you, Miss Joseph – so happy for you – May God guide and protect you, and may you continue being a blessing to others.
P.S. I lived in Dominica, have very loving memories.
Congratulations Miss Joseph.
Has always been proud of you
Let God direct you as you reach for the Stars!
Praise God!!! You shall be the head and not the tail. Congratulations.keep shining for Jesus
Congrats Ms Joseph. You’re indeed a role model who other young persons ought to emulate. I wish you continued success as you journey through life.
Congratulations to you Miss Joseph, your family and all those who supported on this journey. It is never easy to be awarded for ones hard work so this tells me you have been outstanding at what you do. You humility is also well noted. Give thanks to the MOST HIGH GOD.
Congratulations young lady! Give God all the Glory, honour and praise. Kudos to you as you train other young persons. Best wishes and God’s richest blessings to you in your endeavours.