Charles Otieno Ombok

Why I Deserve the Youth Leader/Champion (Male) Award

I deserve the Youth Leader/Champion (Male) Award because I have dedicated my work to demonstrating that young people can be creators of opportunities, not merely seekers of employment.

As the Founder and CEO of Charlie Young Foundation, I use agriculture, entrepreneurship, skills development and community empowerment to inspire young people to see possibilities where others see limitations. My mission is simple: to make agriculture attractive, practical and profitable for the next generation.

Through my work, I have contributed to training 2,600+ farmers, empowering 1,200+ young people, impacting 7,000+ girls and distributing more than 10,000 sanitary pads to support dignity and education. I have also promoted youth participation in agribusiness through poultry, beekeeping, honey production, farming and agricultural value chains.

I founded Charlie Young AgriTours to expose young people, especially students, to real agricultural enterprises and help them understand that agriculture is not simply about farming—it is a sector filled with careers, technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and wealth-creation opportunities.

My leadership is also demonstrated through action. I have built platforms that connect agriculture with youth empowerment, environmental conservation, education and community development. I continuously use my voice and personal journey to challenge the perception that agriculture is an outdated profession and instead present it as a modern and exciting pathway for Africa's young generation.

My recognition through the Youth Empowerment Champions Award and Agribusiness Achievement Award further reflects the impact and consistency of this work.

I believe leadership is not defined by a title, but by the number of people whose lives become better because you chose to act.