Young Sheffield start-up receives highest honour for vital humanitarian work

James da Costa, 25, has been awarded The Diana Award for going above and beyond in his daily life to create and sustain positive change.

James received his nomination based on the vital work Mandala Group, the social enterprise he co-founded, is doing for communities in India, China and Kenya.

As an Indian-British young person, James was shocked by the disparity in education between the UK and rural India and felt drastic changes were needed.

Mandala Group develops offline and low-data mobile applications providing solutions to basic needs for the three and a half billion people who are still without internet.

James’ first application ‘teleStory’ enables illiterate parents to read to their illiterate children for the first time.

So far, James has impacted the lives of more than 100,000 people through his different mobile applications and plans to reach many, many more in the coming years.

He said: “I am very grateful to be receiving this award and I would like to thank the Diana Award judging panel.

“It is an honour to have my work recognised by such an amazing charity, alongside the work of so many inspirational young people.”

James has become an influential voice for young social entrepreneurs globally. He is a social good fellow for the United Nations Foundation and an activation committee member at One Young World.

He was also the UK’s head youth delegate at the 2019 G7 in France.

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients who are changemakers for their generation.

“We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens.

“For over 20 years The Diana Award has valued and invested in young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities and lives of others.”