Pathways Togo created the The Karren Waid Dream Award in honor of Karren Waid, a Peace Corps Volunteer who passed away during her service. Karren’s commitment to girls' education and empowerment continues to inspire Togolese and Americans to support young women in achieving their personal goals and dreams.
Through all of its activities, Pathways Togo encourages scholars not only to excel as individuals, but to become future leaders and to help others. We recognize that educated women have incredible potential to become agents of change in their communities and strive to connect them with the tools they need to fulfill that potential. That is why, beginning in its third year, Pathways Togo will offer one Karren Waid Dream Award annually. The award will provide up to $500 in funding for one exceptional scholar to be used toward one of the following objectives:
- A small-scale project to benefit her local community;
- An internship opportunity with a non-governmental organization; or
- An educational pursuit such as a training, conference or study abroad.
If an award applicant wishes to use this opportunity to pursue an aim that is not detailed above, they must provide compelling information as to how they will use this award opportunity, why their proposal should be supported, and how they can benefit others by receiving the Karren Waid Dream Award.
Proposals will be accepted from scholars at the high school and university levels. All proposals must include a detailed budget. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of creativity, feasibility, thoughtfulness, and the potential for positive individual and community impact. Scholars will present their proposals in-person to the award committee at the annual conference; where the award selection will also be made.
In addition to funding, the winning scholar will receive training on program design and management, and will be matched with a mentor to support her. In addition to a written report, she will present her award achievements at the following year's annual conference, and will receive international recognition as a featured scholar on the Pathways Togo website and newsletter.