Sunday 16 / June / 2024
MUSCAT: In an exceptional recognition of his transformative work in global microfinance and community empowerment, a former ABA Oman International School student, Gobhanu Korisepati, who is also the founder of Sustaining Women in Financial Turmoil (SWIFTmfi), was recently bestowed with the Legacy Award at the Science Museum in London, United Kingdom.
This prestigious honour was personally conferred by Crown Prince William of Wales, Duke of Cambridge, and garnered online congratulations from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, representing the British Royal Family.
Korisepati’s achievement marks a milestone as he is the first and only individual from Oman to receive this prestigious accolade.
This accolade, inspired by the humanitarian legacy of the late Princess Diana, recognised Korisepati as one of 20 exceptional young leaders worldwide, selected for their visionary contributions to society. Korisepati is the youngest founder of a microfinance institution underscoring the global reach and significance of his efforts at such a young age.
The Legacy Award, established by The Diana Award organisation in 2017 during the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, is awarded biennially to 20 outstanding young leaders, visionaries, and role models across the globe.
These individuals are celebrated for their remarkable abilities to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities, mirroring Princess Diana’s profound commitment to humanitarian work.
The Legacy Award is the longest running award for young people through a retrospective nomination process only.
Korisepati’s pioneering work through SWIFTmfi, which originally started out of The ABA Oman School in 2019, has dramatically transformed the lives of women in marginalised communities by providing accessible microfinance solutions.
77 countries
Over five years, his initiatives have supported over 3,000 women in 77 countries to start sustainable businesses, achieve financial independence, and break the cycle of poverty with a direct estimated impact to over 70000 lives.
In addition, SWIFT connect, an innovative online tool launched by SWIFTmfi, has further extended financial literacy and empowerment to over 400 young individuals across Asia and Africa.
In the previous year alone, Korisepati has been a role model to over 4,200 students from various schools involved in fundraising, along with more than 15,000 students worldwide via a powerful social media outreach all while juggling being a dual degree student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Huntsman Programme.
Korisepati expressed his deep gratitude and reflected on the honour’s significance. He said: “Being recognised with the Legacy Award is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the collective effort and resilience of the communities we serve. It inspires me to continue working towards a world where opportunity is not a privilege but a right accessible to all. To be recognised as a part of the Late Princess Diana’s legacy is an honor that transcends individual accolades, embodying the essence of compassion, philanthropy, and a tireless commitment to improving the lives of others”.
The award grants Korisepati access to the Legacy Award Development Programme, offering tailored support to further his social action projects as well as a grant from the UK based charity.
Innovation, leadership
This includes special opportunities to attend events with potential partners and receive guidance from the Diana Award Team, aimed at enhancing his capacity for innovation, leadership, and social change.
As SWIFTmfi continues to advance its mission under Korisepati’s leadership, the recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging young people worldwide to take action for social good, in the spirit of Princess Diana’s enduring legacy.
