Date: 29/05/2024
Championing Change and Empowering Youth
Craig Kielburger, a name synonymous with social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, has dedicated his life to the power of WE, a movement that brings people together to create positive change in the world.
As the co-founder of a family of organizations under the WE umbrella, Craig’s impact reaches far and wide, touching the lives of millions across the globe. At the heart of Craig’s mission is WE Charity, which implements a holistic development model known as WE Villages.
Through this initiative, over one million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been lifted out of poverty, thanks to essential support in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Closer to home, WE Schools and WE Day provide comprehensive service learning programs to 18,000 schools, engaging 3.5 million young change-makers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Craig’s journey began at the tender age of 12 when he learned about the tragic fate of a boy his own age who was murdered after escaping child labor. This heartbreaking revelation inspired Craig to establish his first charitable organization, “Free The Children,” setting the stage for a lifetime of impactful work. His efforts garnered the attention of Oprah Winfrey, leading to a momentous pledge to build 100 schools and providing invaluable mentorship.
Under Craig’s leadership, Free The Children’s programs flourished, empowering hundreds of thousands of students with education and supporting marginalized communities worldwide. Together with his brother Marc, Craig founded WE.org, aiming to nurture active global citizenship among youth.
Through service-learning programs and impactful events like WE Day, millions of young people have been inspired to take action and make a difference. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Craig is a passionate advocate for harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive social change. Leading a team dedicated to leveraging AI in purpose-driven organizations, Craig is at the forefront of innovative solutions to address global challenges.
A New York Times bestselling author and recipient of numerous awards, including The Order of Canada and the Nelson Mandela Freedom Medal, Craig’s influence extends far beyond accolades. Voted by Canadians as one of the country’s most trusted influencers, Craig, along with his brother Marc, continues to be recognized for their unwavering commitment to creating a better world.
In recognition of his contributions, the Halton District School Board renamed one of its schools the Craig Kielburger Secondary School, a testament to his enduring legacy of inspiring positive change. As Craig continues to champion change and empower youth, his impact will undoubtedly shape the future for generations to come.