By Alpha Abu
Popular Sierra Leonean broadcaster and entertainer, David Vandy, is the proud recipient of the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service to young people and communities in the Washington DC area.
Part of Vandy’s invitation letter and citation reads: “We are pleased to inform you that our United States President Voluntary Service Awards Certifying Committee has approved you for a ‘United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award’ and the office of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA) has issued you “Presidential Award” for your remarkable commitment and contributions to improving the lives of others’’.
Sharing his thoughts with Politico over the recognition bestowed on him, Vandy, who is at present a popular presenter on the Voice of America radio said, “it encompasses a whole lot’’, having been recognised for his voluntary work to address the needs of other people.
“Some of us go out on Sundays to the homeless shelters, we prepare food, feed and clothe them’’, he said.
Vandy said upon arriving in the United States 17 years ago, he first engaged in supporting young children at his church, taking them during the Summer break on "Drama Summer Camp”, teaching them drama, dancing and music, in a bid to ‘’take them off the streets”.
He said volunteering at political party events and other causes for a period of 7,000 hours attracts recognition, something that he said he had undertaken over the years. He disclosed that he had also from his personal account established a Christian Broadcast Network that is serving his community, and training people along.
Reflecting on the award itself, the former entertainment presenter at the then Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) - now SLBC - and UNAMSIL Radio said: ‘’It means a lot because for me to come from a small West African nation of Sierra Leone and you have people that have been here before you, and you are recognised by the President of the United States of America saying 'we appreciate what you are doing in the community', it’s a big deal for every Sierra Leonean and African’’.
He admitted he was surprised to learn that he had been nominated because of the competitive nature of the Western society in which he lives.
Vandy said he was dedicating his award to Sierra Leone and the African continent as a whole.
Other Sierra Leoneans who have received the award in the past include Rev. Dr. Gloria Clyne-Smith, Gospel Singer Gilleh Kebbie Scholz, Dr. Christine Gobio-Lamin, and Pastor Raymond Komba Mani.
According to the organizers: “The leadership awards gala honors the accomplishments of both international and presidential honorees who are leaders in community development, diplomats, elected officials, corporate and spiritual leaders that primarily operate from a faith-based perspective, targeting major issues including religious liberty, social justice, humanitarian concerns, economic development, and mission partnerships”.
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