The first awards were in 2014 as a way to appreciate the great work done by the youth in all aspects and disciplines. The organisers have promised a bigger and better sixth edition of the awards on their return with the number of entries being increased to 20.
The awards were launched by the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture Tumiso Rakgare alongside Remmogo Organisation. “Today marks yet another day when we get to celebrate young people in this beautiful country and what they continue to do in their different sectors,” Rakgare said. Rakgare further added that the BYA is one of the great projects under his ministry that is really engrossed in pushing the ministry’s mandate to recognise and promote youth participation in local communities, national affairs and beyond.
Furthermore, Rakgare stated that Botswana's population is dominated by the youth as more than 50% of the population are young people. The minister implored young people to enter the awards without hesitation. In addition, Rakgare advised the youth to take the awards seriously as they can change their lives. He gave the example of Christopher Seagateng who is currently serving in the Pan African Youth Union (AU Youth Structure) as the deputy secretary-general for the Southern region.
Seagateng was an award winner back in 2019. Applications for the awards were officially opened on April 1 and they will run on till May 15. The youth can apply online or physically at the nearest district centre. The 20 categories are: Best Youth Promoting Religion, Youth Living With Disability, Media House Addressing Youth Issues, Youth Promoting Culture and Heritage, Youth In Academic Excellence, Youth In Tourism, Youth In Fashion Personality, Youth In Sports Achievement, Youth In Agriculture, Youth In Innovation & Technology, Youth Media Personality, Youth Promoting Health & Well-being, Youth In Creative Arts, Organisation Supporting Youth Development, Youth Activist In Social Issues, Youth In Community Volunteerism, Youth Owned Business, Youth In Leadership, Best Female Youth and Best Female Youth Of The Year.
In each category, there will be two nominees who will go through after a thorough selection by a panel of adjudicators. The winner of the two will walk away with P7,000 while the runner up will go home with P3 000. Meanwhile for the Best female youth and Best male, the two winners will each walk away with P10,000 each.
