Shabnam Rangwala from Mumbai has been shortlisted to win a coveted humanitarian honor at the Bond International Development Awards 2020, London, UK.
Nominated for her volunteer work with disability charity MAITS, Shabnam has been helping to improve the lives of disabled people across India and Sri Lanka. She introduced a pioneering programme so that children with disabilities and their families can receive practical support in their own homes from trained staff.
“I am immensely grateful to be shortlisted for this award,” says Shabnam. “Being acknowledged for the work we do motivates us to continue our journey. Learning from the inspiring journeys of others gives us the feeling that “We are not alone.” I am honoured that my work has been recognised internationally.”
Shabnam was instrumental in getting her Community Health Worker programme introduced by the Government of India in Himachal Pradesh, before it was rolled out across the whole state. She trained 35 government healthcare staff and 30 trainees from local charities, equipping them with knowledge to identify disabilities and break down taboos surrounding disability.
MAITS CEO Esther Hamilton nominated Shabnam for the award. She says: “Shabnam has tirelessly and selflessly volunteered with children with disabilities multiple times per year, travelling as far afield as Jamaica and Cambodia from her home in Mumbai. She is a powerful testament to how training can really change lives and improve the fortunes of some of the most marginalised children.”
Shabnam is joined by two other deserving finalists in this category, with the overall winner announced at an awards ceremony in London on March 23.
Now in its seventh year, the awards celebrate the exceptional work undertaken in the development sector that often goes unrecognised. The Volunteer Award specifically honors the hidden heroes giving up their time and donating their skills, often in challenging and demanding environments.
Mike Wright, Director of Membership and Communications at Bond, says:
“The standard of entries this year has been particularly high across all award categories, which is a great reflection of the hard work and innovation currently taking place in the sector. We are particularly delighted to be honoring such a diverse range of volunteers and shining a light on these inspirational individuals and the incredible work they are doing.”
The Bond International Development Awards form part of Bond Annual Conference, Europe’s biggest international development event, bringing together diverse organisations and thinkers to share ideas and discuss emerging trends in the international development and humanitarian sectors.
Full details on all finalists can be found here: https://www.bond.org.uk/events/volunteer-award/longlist-2020