The Pearson World Changer Awards, which have just opened for applications, are celebrating the children and young people who are taking their learning to the next level to make a positive and tangible impact on the world.

Whether it’s an act of kindness over the COVID-19 pandemic, a group project to protect the environment or a young person with a passion to spark change, the awards will highlight the dedication, resilience and altruism being pioneered by 5-19 year-olds in schools, homes and communities across Britain.

Speaking about the initiative, Vanessa Wright, Vice-President of the UK Schools Sales and Marketing team at Pearson said, “The events of 2020 so far have highlighted how very important it is to be aware of the world around us, to understand what is happening in our communities - in countries both near and far - and to recognise the power that every one of our actions can have. The World Changer Awards will celebrate the amazing ways that children and young people have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic to support their peers, their families and communities, as well as shine a light on the young pioneers who are striving to make a positive difference in the world on wider issues, whether environmentally or socially.

“At their heart, the awards are about inspiring children and young people to interrogate the world around them, engage with local and global affairs and harness the power of education to drive lasting change. We hope to spread some much-needed positivity through this worthwhile initiative and cannot wait to see what inspirational actions, projects and young people we uncover.”

The awards, which are now open for applications, are supported by leading creatives, environmentalists and entrepreneurs who are sharing their personal journeys in the bid to empower more children and young people to apply their learning across subjects for good in the world.

Award ambassadors include the likes of Ann Daniels, one of the first women in history to reach the North and South Poles as part of all women teams, renowned photographer and filmmaker Nick Danziger, who has spent much of his career photographing the world’s most dispossessed and disadvantaged, and Nike Folayan, who set up the pioneering AFBE-UK to empower more diversity in engineering.

Wildlife campaigner, writer and broadcaster Dominic Dyer, who is also supporting the awards as an ambassador, said: “Over the next 30 years, human civilisation faces huge challenges as a result of increasing pressures on our planet, but young people across Britain are rising to the challenge of living in this rapidly changing world.

“Through their love of wildlife and the natural world, young people are campaigning, writing books, making films and reaching millions with their passion and energy. I look forward to supporting these awards and celebrating the incredible young wildlife warriors who are doing so much to secure the future of this beautiful and precious ecosystem, we call planet Earth.”

Speaking about her experience, ambassador Tessa Clarke, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of OLIO - an award-winning app that connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, said: “I spent far too long trying to think of an 'idea' to change the world. I've now realised that instead I should've been looking for a problem to solve. There's no shortage of problems that need solving.

“We need to harness the passion, creativity, resilience and innovation of the younger generations and then we can achieve a world that we all want to live in - one that is sustainable and fair.”

Vanessa Wright continues: “At Pearson, we know learning doesn’t end in the classroom. What is taught in schools, homes and communities can harness the talent and passion needed for the future. So as part of the awards, we will be showcasing the world of experiences and opportunities that can be unlocked through subjects across the wider curriculum, from business studies and languages to the humanities and the creatives. We are delighted to have such inspiring supporters and leaders in their fields who can help bring this to life for the next generation of world changers.”

The Pearson World Changer Awards are open to individuals or groups aged between 5 and 19. Completed applications need to be submitted before 5pm on Friday 23 October 2020.

To find out more about entering the World Changer Awards and how to access the host of free resources to inspire your young pioneers, please visit our website.