The ISP initiative was the brainchild of HRH The Earl of Wessex, himself a Gold Award holder, and its aim is to bring the Award Programme to young people for whom it can make a dramatic difference. Since 1999 the ISP has funded more than 80 projects in 45 countries which have directly assisted 125,000 young people to participate in the Award Programme.
The new film features the stories of three young people who were given the chance to take part in the Award Programme through the funding of ISP. Perhaps the most remarkable tale, and one which has drawn comparisons to the film Slumdog Millionaire, is told by Vicky Roy, a young man from India whose life as a child surviving on the platforms of Delhi station was transformed through his participation in the Award. With an opportunity to develop his talents he pursued his interest in photography, was spotted by an international photographer, and has now exhibited his work in the UK, the USA and his native India.
The film also features Nehanda Higinio, a national co-ordinator for the Award in Belize. Nehanda’s story emphasises the point that the ISP, as well as helping the Award to reach sections of society that are marginalised or under-privileged, also has a role to play in nation building. Nehanda says about the effect the Award programme is having in her country, “Belize is in itself a young person and the Award is helping it to develop character.”
The film can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjyW1s9SMdI.
