Bubunur, 18, Kyrgyzstan

Basic need(s):

Education, Health, Safety

Project:

"Jashtar Kuchu – El Kuchu"

Bubunur is disheartened when teenagers are released from prison, only to re-enter shortly thereafter due to difficulty reintegrating into everyday society. To reduce this problem, Bubunur has created "Jashtar Kuchu – El Kuchu" ("Strong Youth – Strong Nation" in Kyrgyz), a project to support juveniles in prisons and to help them set life goals. Some of the activities that she has organized for the prisoners include concerts and sports tournaments. In addition, she has conducted a fundraiser to raise money to buy tables and chairs for a prison by selling calendars created by children who are blind. Bubunur hopes that her work will set a positive example for youth and will allow young prisoners to see that change and growth are possible after prison.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto