Stand up and be counted
Emanuel School alumnus and school nurse, Genna Radnan and Hilton Immerman CEO of the Shalom Institute have been recognised by Stand Up.
Genna Radnan in Kenya
Genna, who at the tender age of 19 years old started her charity, Gennarosity Abroad, was awarded the Ron Castan Young Humanitarian Award at a ceremony attended by a number of the community’s senior dignitaries.
Founded by Genna in 2010, Gennarosity Abroad is a non-profit organisation that aims to provide education, skills and vocational training, health, literacy, clean water, employment, aid relief, and support to the populations in Africa, and in particular, Kenya.
Gary Samowitz, CEO of Stand Up was very impressed with Genna’s application and her extensive work helping others: “Genna is an embodiment of the values of Tikkun Olam and our organisation, Stand Up. Her work, and that of her organisation in Africa are having a significant impact on so many lives.
We are proud to award her the Ron Castan Young Humanitarian of the year award in recognition of her passion and enthusiasm towards helping those in need. Genna is an exemplary role model for other young people who are keen to make a difference. She is also a wonderful example of the difference and impact a single individual can make in contributing to make the world a better place.”
Genna was overwhelmed with the news of Stand Up’s recognition of her work: “It’s an honour and privilege to have been awarded the Ron Castan Young Humanitarian Award that recognises the work that Gennarosity Abroad does in Kenya. I am humbled by the award, which reflects the incredible and inspirational achievements of Ron Castan himself and his empathetic and gracious persona.”
Gennarosity Abroad’s first project, completed in 2010, was Karunga’s Emanuel Kindergarten. The cardboard and wooden shack that previously stood as the kindergarten for thirty years was replaced with a new timber wood and iron sheet facility. Desks, a teacher’s office, water tank, new drop toilets and a security fence completed the project, which was partially funded by the fundraising efforts of Emanuel School students.
Anne Hastings, Emanuel School’s Principal said: “Genna’s compassion and dedication to helping others are evident in her extensive humanitarian work as well as her chosen vocation. As a student at Emanuel School Genna was always a strong advocate of social justice and tikkun olam. We are delighted that her extensive charity work has been recognised externally and that Gennarosity Abroad continues to grow from strength to strength. Genna is the embodiment of Emanuel School’s values and we are so glad that she remains an integral part of our school community as our School Nurse.”
Gennarosity Abroad will be holding its main fundraising event JUST ONE on Tuesday 11 November at 6:30pm at the Gaslight Inn, Darlinghurst. JUST ONE will be highlighting the wonderful achievements of some of Gennarosity Abroad’s 2013 graduates and what they have been doing in the past year. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=106861.
Hilton Immerman
Dr Hilton Immerman, CEO of The Shalom Institute and Shalom College, is the recipient of this year’s Ron Castan Humanitarian Award in recognition of his groundbreaking work with the Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Scholarship Program.
Ron Castan AM QC passed away at a relatively young age, but left behind an enormous legacy in the field of human rights, and especially indigenous rights. The Stand Up Humanitarian Award was created in consultation with the Castan family.
It recognises individuals who have attained excellence and renown in their chosen humanitarian fields and whose actions, in addition to their achievements, embody the characteristics of the late Ron Castan that include wisdom, empathy, intellect, and graciousness.”
Stand Up’s Ron Castan Humanitarian Award and the Ron Castan Young Humanitarian Award seek to recognise Jewish individuals who have attained excellence and renown in their chosen humanitarian fields and whose actions, in addition to their achievements, embody the characteristics of the late Ron Castan AM QC that include wisdom, empathy, intellect, and graciousness.
