The Voice of America won a Bronze World Medal during the 2017 New York Festivals International TV and Film Awards gala at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas on April 25, 2017.
VOA’s TV feature, Educating Maasai Girls, placed third in the Heroes category. Shot and reported on two continents, Voice of America correspondent Julie Taboh interviewed Gloria Kotente Mumeita, a young woman brought to the U.S. for medical training by the Maasai Girls Education Fund. The Fund’s mission is to improve the literacy, health and economic well-being of Maasai women and their families in Kenya through the education of girls and their communities.
In the interview, Kotente described the impact of the financial support and the training on her life. The segment included highlights of Kotente’s return to Kenya, where she finished her final year of medical school in Nairobi.
In addition to Julie Taboh, the award winning VOA team included videographer and editor Adam Greenbaum, Nairobi correspondent, Jill Craig, and Nairobi videographer, Amos Wangwa.
“I am truly proud of our winners. VOA has always made every effort to highlight strides in women’s education around the world. This accomplishment clearly demonstrates the quality of work our journalists produce each and every day,” said Voice of America Director, Amanda Bennett.
This television feature, originally broadcast globally in English, was translated and aired by many of VOA’s 47 language services through VOA's international network of affiliates.