Monday was the “day of a lifetime” for 60 young women and men from various countries in the Commonwealth: they were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom, who gave each of them an award.

The awards recognizes exceptional people aged 18-29 who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.

We are very proud that Leroy, one of GPE’s youth advocates, was included in this group of young leaders.

Leroy is a fierce advocate for children with disabilities, making sure that they can go to school and have the same opportunities to succeed in life. Leroy became blind at age 6 and, despite many obstacles in his home country of Guyana, he managed to finish high school.

Besides the ceremony of June 22 in London, award winners received a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential program in the United Kingdom.

Learn more on the Queen’s Young Leaders program

Read a blog on Leroy Philips