Meeting the 2022 Viktor Frankl Awardees

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WYA is delighted to present the Viktor Frankl Award to exemplary members from the Philippines, Ethiopia, Austria, Peru, Tunisia, and the United States of America.

Now in its fifth year, the Viktor Frankl Award is presented to outstanding members of the World Youth Alliance who have made vital contributions in upholding the mission of promoting human dignity in their communities. Read on to learn more about our awardees for this year:

WYA Africa Awardee: Tamrat Belachew (Ethiopia)

“As a leader who works with young people, I have learned how important it is to speak about the dignity we have as human beings and of how crucial it is to influence our culture to hold these principles.”

Tamrat first encountered WYA through a newsletter his friend sent him about the March for Life event held in the US. Inspired to learn more about WYA, he attended the Certified Training Program (CTP) in Prague. This eventually led him to create a chapter in Ethiopia because he believes that the Ethiopian youth need to have the opportunity to learn about intrinsic human dignity, genuine freedom, and the value of solidarity. He wishes for the chapter to work vigorously in creating a culture that respects and preserves the dignity of the human person. 

Tamrat emphasizes the important meaning of the Viktor Frankl award by telling us that despite the hardship Frankl faced, he was still able to find meaning in life. This brings into light the importance of finding one’s why. “He who has a ‘why’ to live for can bear almost anything.” Tamrat reminds us that despite the challenges we may face, we need to find our greater purpose and believe in ourselves. 

WYA Asia Pacific Awardee: Joel Arzaga (the Philippines)

“Take the leap of faith! This relentless pursuit for human dignity will bring you a profound sense of meaning and fulfillment. It is a cause worth giving ourselves fully to!”

Joel joined the World Youth Alliance in 2019 after passing the Philippine Bar Examination and taking his oath as a lawyer. He knew that WYA would allow him to pursue his passion to serve others while developing his skills as a lawyer and advocate for human dignity and human rights. He completed his CTP Training of Trainers (TOT) in New York and has since trained members in Asia Pacific and Africa on International Law and on the Population and the Growth of Nations. He currently serves as the Vice President for Legislative Affairs  for the Family Foundation Inc.


His hope for WYA in the region and for WYA Global is for young people to be at the forefront of fighting for our right to life, the sanctity of marriage, and for family life. He emphasizes the need for us to stand up, speak out, and be firm in our beliefs as great things depend on each and everyone of us. 

WYA Europe Awardee: Elisabeth Gudenus (Austria)

“The things you will learn by studying the CTP and – better still – by joining the Advocacy Academy will positively impact your worldview permanently. It is the best thing you can do, especially if your heart is set on – let’s say it together, folks – promoting human dignity.” 

Elisabeth has not only been a member of WYA but has also served as a Regional Director for Europe. Aside from advocacy work, project management, and learning how to cook kaiserschmarrn for 15 hungry staff members, the most important thing she has learned in WYA is forming an I-Thou relationship with everybody. This is also why one of her most memorable experiences is teaching Chapter 2 of the CTP (which contains the reading on I-Thou by Martin Buber) as seeing the light go on in people’s eyes. She also recounts how unforgettable it was to be offered the position to become WYA Europe’s Regional Director, speaking at the UN about Fertility Education and Medical Management (FEMM), and even just sharing her love for WYA with her family and friends and seeing them get just as excited and involved. 

Elisabeth hopes that WYA continues to grow and help a new generation of members face the challenges of the world head on. She believes that holistic education is the key to addressing issues that concern the dignity of the human person and hopes that WYA will continue to provide that through new and inventive ways.

WYA Middle East and North Africa Awardee – Moutiaa Gouaida (Tunisia)

“Be a part of the positive change that WYA is making, Do not underestimate your capability of making an impact.”

Moutiaa began her enlightening journey with WYA through the CTP in March of 2020, followed by the TOT, Advocacy Academy, and was accepted as an intern in WYA MENA and WYA Europe. She was so hooked on WYA’s mission that she has since attended over 40 events. Through all of this, she was able to adopt WYA’s vision of defending human dignity from different perspectives and working strategies. She cherishes all her moments with WYA, particularly meeting inspiring youth from all over the world. She was also part of translating WYA President Lord Pomperada’s book, You’re Never Too Young To Lead, and the CTP to French. 

Moutiaa believes that the key to combating ideologies that do not value the human person rests in us, the members of WYA. She hopes that we continue to be active and inspire the youth in every country, city, and community in the world.

WYA Latin America Awardee – Lorena Puicon (Peru)

 

“…we all have something in common. That is, “To be agents of change from wherever we are regardless of country, timezone, or culture….”

Lorena’s WYA journey started when she joined the CTP while she was in university. After hearing from a friend how great the internship was, she also decided to apply and got accepted as a project management intern. Soon after, she became a certified trainer for the CTP, served as Vice Coordinator in the University of Piura chapter, attended the Advocacy Academy, and became the WYALA Programme Assistant.

 

The greatest lesson that Lorena has learned is that we can achieve our goal of improving society no matter the time, place, and circumstance. She says that “small things can make big changes,” and it’s astounding to see how young people all over the world have done just that. She hopes that WYA will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of people around the world despite the challenges we may face. 

WYA North America Awardee – Thomas Sarrouf (USA)

“I look back fondly of my time teaching the readings of the CTP and having discussions with my students, and seeing their understanding and love for WYA grow in the process. For me, it also meant to live out my freedom for excellence as I was talking to my students about it.”

Thomas’ WYA journey began at a talk in Boston College. Soon after, he joined and taught the CTP, did an online internship, and was even part of the US National Committee. Throughout all this, he says that the most important lesson he learned from WYA was putting human dignity at the center of things. Because of Thomas’ involvement with WYA in college, he has been able to have a better philosophy on the human person. His most memorable experiences include speaking at the UN on behalf of WYA and teaching the CTP for an entire semester. This allowed him to live out his own freedom for excellence while sharing about it with his students. 

He hopes that WYA can establish a larger presence in the North American region, especially delving into the field of policy to advocate for the priority of persons in law, something that is very much needed at the moment. Thomas has met many people around the world and while they may be from different walks of life, they speak the common language of freedom, dignity, and solidarity, thanks to WYA. 

Watch the recording of this year’s Viktor Frankl Awarding Ceremony in our Youtube Channel

 

 

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