Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — A 20-year-old entrepreneur has stepped forward to lend support to the Department of Youth Empowerment’s effort to spotlight positive youth and enhance their role in serving through volunteerism.
Hashim Ruan, CEO and founder of Nanostar Limited made a cash contribution to the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts and Nevis programme to be used to offset cost in staging projects designed and implemented by the young people.
Ruan was inspired to donate considering his own struggles to get funding for his business ideas when he was younger.
“I look back on the youth that are a part of this programme and I said well I should at least make a contribution and of course my contribution wouldn’t just be now but continuous donations whether it be volunteer work or anything that I can do to contribute to the development or advancement of the programme,” he stated.
This includes free publicity on his website and YouTube channel.
Senior Youth Officer Chereca Weaver manages the youth recognition initiative. She accepted the donation from Mr. Ruan and spoke about the aim of the programme which celebrates the good character of the majority of young people. This contrasts starkly with the sensationalism which often surrounds youth involved in antisocial activities.
“We don’t see persons like Mr. Ruan who are standing up and really trying to find their place in the community,” Ms. Weaver noted. “We are so proud of you. We want to thank you so much for being so thoughtful and for giving us this donation towards the volunteer projects for the 25 Most Remarkable Teens 2014-2015.”
“It’s a really great initiative,” Ruan underscored, reiterating his pleasure. “Thank you for this opportunity.”