During her program in Chartres, France, Amma graciously accepted the Kékéli Peace Prize — a civil society award connected with the World Day for African and Afro-Descendant Culture, a UNESCO-declared international day supported by its 193 member states. It was founded by Mr. John Ayite Dossavi of Togo, who thanked Amma “for the attention you are giving to Africa, which is our common cradle.”
Amma shared that “the rise and progress of Africa is a cause very dear to her heart,” and dedicated the award to all those working for the continent’s upliftment. Recalling her first visit to Africa, she said, “When I witnessed the living conditions of some of the people there, I felt a strong desire to stay and serve them,” adding that “there is tremendous potential in Africa, and if it is awakened, the continent can make a great contribution to the entire world.”
Amma’s African initiatives began in 2009 in Kenya and now span many countries — a school for impoverished children near Nairobi, vocational and skills training, more than 9,700 free cataract surgeries across six nations, rural health-volunteer training, clean-water projects, and university scholarships at Amrita University.
