She’s sold more than 50 million albums, had countless Number Ones and picked up eight Grammy awards.
Singer, producer, fashion designer, actor, business woman. And now Rihanna has been recognised for her work in advocating for education and health care and speaking up for girls and women.
She was only 18 when she founded the the BELIEVE Foundation, a charity to help critically ill children.
And in 2012 she launched the Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports and funds education and health programmes around the world.
She also became the first global ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education last year – using her voice to advocate for support for education programmes.
This week Rihanna was given the Harvard Foundation award for Humanitarian of the Year.
The dean of Harvard College, Rakesh Khurana, said the star had empowered children to “shine bright like a diamond” and inspired students to “work work work”.
Accepting the award, Rihanna said she was only a young girl in Barbados when she was first inspired to help others
By watching television commercials that showed children suffering across the world.
“I would say to myself, ‘When I grow up, and I can get rich, I’m gonna save kids all over the world,’” she said.
“I just didn’t know I would be in the position to do that by the time I was a teenager.”
Julia Gillard, Board Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, said: “Rihanna’s voice will be critical during what we expect to be a historic year for global education.
“World leaders must step up to the challenge of addressing the needs of 260 million children currently not in school to ensure that every child, everywhere, has the opportunity of a quality education.”
Rihanna’s impact extends far beyond the music industry. Through her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work, she has become a force for good in the world. Her commitment to education and healthcare has touched the lives of many, particularly vulnerable children. The BELIEVE Foundation, founded by Rihanna when she was just 18, has provided support to critically ill children, offering them hope and resources to overcome their challenges. In 2012, she took her humanitarian efforts to the next level with the launch of the Clara Lionel Foundation, which focuses on funding education and health programs globally. Rihanna’s passion for making a difference led her to become the first global ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education. Her advocacy for education programs has raised awareness and mobilized support for improving access to quality education for all children. Receiving the Harvard Foundation award for Humanitarian of the Year is a testament to Rihanna’s dedication to creating a better world. Her influence has inspired not only her fans but also world leaders to prioritize education as a key component of global development. As we continue to follow Rihanna’s journey, we are reminded of the power of using one’s platform for good. Let us draw inspiration from her example and strive to make a positive impact in our own communities. Together, we can work towards a future where every child has the opportunity to shine bright and reach their full potential.
