THUAS students nominated for ECHO Award

This prize celebrates non-Western students who are committed to creating a just society. This year, Chinyere Aronu and Akram Achahboun are among the four finalists for the 25th edition of the ECHO Awards.

Chinyere, a Public Administration student, decided to use her personal experience with the childcare benefits scandal to advocate for underrepresented groups in society. She now gives young people a voice at the tables where decisions about new policies are made. “I spend most of my time on this, alongside school. When I heard about the nomination, I was shocked at first, but then grateful that hard work is being recognized.”

Not special, but necessary

Through her organization, Stichting Chinyere, she supports children in Suriname by organizing activities and providing food packages. “Many people ask why I don’t think what I do is special, but I don’t see it as special, I see it as necessary.” Chinyere also shares her experiences in the youth panel of the Social Service Time initiative, where she encourages young people to get involved in society.

An ever-present element

Akram, a Software Engineering student and chair of the university council, also joined the panel and is broadly engaged in social initiatives. At Amnesty International, he encourages young people to speak up, and within the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, he works toward more diversity in higher education. “My grandparents came from Morocco as guest workers and did volunteer work here in the Netherlands. My father also did a lot for the community, so that element has always been part of me.”

What defines you?

On October 9, both students will pitch their stories to the jury. Chinyere: “I want to share my story, my ‘why’ and my passion. I want to make it clear that today’s youth are the society of the future.” Winning the award and the grand prize of studying at the University of California – Los Angeles is not the driving force behind their societal engagement, but it can help guide students toward making a difference.

The two nominees inspire other students to make a positive impact as well. Akram: “Being seen by others when things weren’t going well for me truly changed my life. Sometimes don’t overthink and just say ‘yes.’” Chinyere: “It doesn’t matter where you start; what matters is that you finish the race. What you’ve been through shapes you, but it doesn’t define you.”