This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Umra Omar, a Kenyan social entrepreneur, has been nominated for the prestigious Waislitz Global Citizen Awards, which recognize individuals making extraordinary contributions to end extreme poverty.
As the founder of Safari Doctors, Omar delivers primary medical care and health education to the Bajuni and Aweer communities in Lamu, Kenya, through a unique approach that combines boat, air, and land services.
The Waislitz Global Citizen Awards, presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, offer annual cash prizes totaling Sh25 million ($250,000) to individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work to end extreme poverty.
With a grand prize of Sh10 million ($100,000) and three additional prizes of Sh5 million ($50,000) each, the awards aim to inspire individuals around the world to improve the living standards of those in dire need.
Chairman and Founder of the Melbourne-based Waislitz Foundation, Alex Waislitz, stated, “Ending extreme poverty is not a choice, it’s an obligation. My hope is that it will inspire many thousands of people around the world to do what they can to improve the living standards of those in dire need.”
Umra Omar, a Kenyan native, had pursued a bachelor’s in neuroscience and psychology and a master’s degree in social justice in intercultural relations before returning to her native country to give back.
She said, “I was so fortunate, to be given the scholarships and the opportunity I’ve had, being a woman, being from Kenya. You know, when you’ve been given the world, you have the give the world back,” in a phone interview with Global Citizen.
The four winners will be profiled in editorial pieces on the Global Citizen platform and social media, in addition to receiving the cash prizes.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no award ceremony in 2020.
Umra Omar was previously nominated for the 2016 CNN Hero of the Year award.
You can vote for her here; voting closes on Monday, July 20, 2020.
