Cris "Kesz" Valdez, 13, was awarded this year’s International Children’s Peace Prize in a glittering ceremony held at Ridderzaal in The Hague, Netherlands on September 19. Kesz, who was selected by the Expert Commitee among three nominees received a 100,000 euro ($130,000) prize.
Kesz Valdez was handed the peace prize for his “Championing Community Children” charity aimed at giving street children hope and showing them that they can take their future into their own hands.
Kesz, who was once a victim of abuse being left to scavenge on the streets at the age of two, goes to underprivileged communities together with his friends to teach children about hygiene, food and children’s rights. Their charity also raises funds to distribute gift parcels like toys, slippers, candies and clothes to the destitute.
According to KidsRights Foundation who organized the International Children's Peace Prize, Kesz has so far helped more than 10,000 children in his local area in Cavite.
“My message to all children around the globe is; our health is our wealth! Being healthy will enable you to play, to think clearly, to get up and go to school and love the people around you in so many ways. To everyone in the world, please remember that every day, 6,000 children die from diseases associated with poor sanitation, poor hygiene, and we can do something about it! Please join me in helping street children achieve better health and better lives.” - Kesz Valdez
Watch the video below to know more about Kesz Valdez and why he won the said prestigious award:
Photo courtesy of Kesz Valdez Facebook Page
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Photo courtesy of Kesz Valdez Facebook Page
For more Kapamilya updates follow/like BIDA KAPAMILYA on Twitter and Facebook.
