JEF Finland’s Executive Board has selected activist Kaisa Ojala, 23, as Young European of the Year 2020. With this choice, JEF Finland wants to show its appreciation for Kaisa’s bold work defending the rights of people with disabilities. In addition, JEF Finland wants to draw attention to the need for better realisation of disability rights in Europe. Kaisa is known on Instagram as @aktivistikaisa.
“Kaisa, who has won people over with her authenticity on social media, is a wonderful example of how a single young person can make their voice heard by thousands of people. We could all learn something from Kaisa’s courage to make the world a better place for absolutely everyone. Indivisible human rights are an important European value, and Kaisa works tirelessly for them,” raves JEF Finland President Iiris Asunmaa.
Kaisa Ojala is pleasantly surprised to hear about the award. “It’s absolutely amazing that my activism has made a difference, and that it’s been noticed!” says the Young European of the Year, delighted.
Read Kaisa’s interview in Tähdistö!
Every year on Europe Day, 9 May, JEF Finland honours as Young European of the Year a person who boldly promotes European values and who takes an active and constructive part in European civic debate. Previous recipients of the award include climate activist Atte Ahokas, singer Saara Aalto, basketball player Shawn Huff, and photographer Meeri Koutaniemi. This year, Europe Day is being celebrated remotely.