Maya’s mission: Autism Siblings and Friends Network
In Trinidad & Tobago, young individuals with autism can encounter numerous obstacles, such as limited access to specialised services like diagnosis, therapy, and education. Also, many families struggle financially to provide the necessary support for their autistic children.
As a child, Maya was puzzled by why her younger brother, Rahul, who has autism, couldn’t attend school. Over time, she came to understand the scarcity of opportunities for him and others with special educational needs. This realisation led Maya to establish the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN), aiming to create opportunities for Rahul and other individuals with special educational needs.
ASFN operates Rahul's Clubhouse, an autism centre that provides educational, social, and skills programmes for over 10,000 people. The initiative is named for her brother who is non-verbal and the light of her life.
Global Youth Development Index and Maya’s vision
The Commonwealth Secretariat produces the Global Youth Development Index, in collaboration with partners, that tracks progress in six areas. The 2023 update found that progress on youth development continues show slow but steady improvement. Over the past 12 years (2010–2022), the global average YDI score has improved by 2.8 per cent.
Maya intends to make a difference in that trend.
Maya's inspirational journey
In September 2023, Maya was named the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year; since then, she has interfaced with numerous government officials, members of the UK's royal family and other thought leaders. During that time, she has continued to advocate for greater resources and support for those with special needs.
Photo: Maya receiving the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award, 2023 from His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC
She describes the experience of copping the highest award as "surreal" and that she continues to be inspired by the experience.
She said:
"Having that platform, where I am able to speak for youths from 56 Commonwealth nations makes me feel motivated and even more committed to making our world a better place. I feel inspired and humbled at the same time. It is always exciting, knowing that what I say, actually matters, that my voice means something - that is empowering."
Maya is also focusing on changes she can make in the world. She shared:
"I am looking forward to graduating with a degree in Youth Development Work next year and I am really hoping that I will get a scholarship to pursue post-graduate studies in the UK. I also want to continue collaborating with young people throughout the Commonwealth and internationally, to learn from them and share ideas. I will continue to work with other amazing youths to make our world a better place."
Encouraging future leaders
Nominations are until Friday, 18 October 2024, for the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Youth Work, where a new leader will be chosen to succeed Maya. The awards recognise the invaluable contribution of young people aged 15-29 and acknowledge their achievements towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She encouraged the next Commonwealth Young Person of the Year to:
"Take advantage of all the opportunities that comes with being a Commonwealth Young Person of the Year. Use the platform to promote your work and to network and collaborate with other inspiring youths throughout the Commonwealth."
