The names of three people chosen as Outlook Inspirations 2018 have been revealed during a special live broadcast from the BBC’s Radio Theatre in London, and aired across the globe on the BBC World Service.
First launched in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of BBC World Service programme Outlook, and now returning for the second time, the Outlook Inspirations Awards celebrate unsung heroes from across the globe – ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Mary Hockaday, Controller of BBC World Service English, says: “Huge congratulations to all three who have been named as the Outlook Inspirations – their stories show tremendous courage and resilience in the face of adversity and they have each made a real impact on the lives of others in their communities and beyond.
“Outlook remains one of the most loved programmes on the BBC World Service and we’re delighted to bring back these Awards for a second time, allowing us to celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes from across the globe.”
The names were revealed during a special broadcast of Outlook presented by Matthew Bannister and Jo Fidgen at the Radio Theatre in BBC Broadcasting House in London. The judging panel, chaired by the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, actress and Time’s Up campaigner Tessa Thompson, and incoming Head of Amnesty International Kumi Naidoo, chose the three winners.
The programme also featured a link up with one of the other shortlisted names – Seyi Oluyole in Lagos, Nigeria – was nominated for her work encouraging young people to stay in education through dance.
The Outlook Inspirations Awards are about celebrating ordinary people with extraordinary stories. The 20 nominees are people who are doing remarkable things, people who have overcome enormous obstacles to achieve something extraordinary, or people who are breaking taboos and challenging stereotypes, or they are working hard to improve the lives of others. They were chosen from individuals who have been on Outlook and others nominated by listeners.