KCS Foundation Honours 27 Students at YES Awards 2026 Dubai

KCS Foundation, a Bihar-based non-profit organisation focused on education, youth empowerment and social development, marked International Literacy Day with the YES Awards 2026 in Dubai on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The event recognised 27 outstanding students from different countries and regions for their academic excellence, leadership, innovation, extracurricular achievements and sustained contributions to their communities.

The awards ceremony reflected UNESCO’s 2026 theme, 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity'. Organisers emphasised that literacy and quality education remain powerful tools for developing future leaders, promoting responsible decision-making and building inclusive, knowledge-driven societies. The YES Awards, short for Youth Empowerment and Services Awards, aim to highlight young people whose work demonstrates how education combined with leadership and community engagement can produce lasting social impact.

A large number of international nominations were received. A distinguished jury conducted a rigorous evaluation process before selecting the 27 awardees. The chosen students stood out not only for strong academic records but also for measurable, sustained efforts that benefited their local communities. Organisers said the awards celebrate both personal achievement and the broader social value of youth-led initiatives.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr Pankaj Jha, Dr Gautam Kumar, Dr Menaka Shekhar and Dr Sanjeet Jha. Their involvement underscored KCS Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education, literacy, youth empowerment and community service. Among the eminent dignitaries present were Mr Prabhat Kumar Jha, Executive Director (Central Zone) of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), and Shri Pabitra Kumar Majumder, Consul (Education) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Distinguished speakers added depth to the evening. They included Mr Porush Jhunjhunwala of Banke International, Mr Bhupesh Kaura and Ms Anishaa Jaisinghani of Deloitte, Mr Anil Jha of Maanawta Foundation, Mr Siddhant Jhurani of Altrea Global, and motivational speaker Mr Amar Choudhary. Their addresses focused on the links between education, professional excellence, social responsibility and the role of young people in shaping more equitable and sustainable communities.

Coordination and moderation of the event were handled by a team of young professionals and students: Mr Tannish Gautam, a cybersecurity engineer; Ms Riya Sarah Cornel, Head of Charity at Jumeirah College, Dubai; Ms Sidonie Marie Morin, Head Girl at Jumeirah College; and Ms Kristen Gabriella Valles, a student at the same college. Their contribution helped ensure the programme ran smoothly and maintained an engaging, professional atmosphere throughout the evening.

The event received valuable support from California Residences, Deloitte and SelexIQ Education Support Services Dubai. Organisers highlighted this collaboration as an example of how businesses and community organisations can work together effectively to advance education and youth development goals.

KCS Foundation described the YES Awards 2026 as part of its wider mission. Based in Bihar, India, the non-profit organisation works through impactful initiatives, partnerships and outreach programmes to promote education, youth empowerment, social welfare and community development. The Dubai event formed a significant international milestone in that ongoing work, bringing together students, educators, business leaders and diplomats around a shared focus on literacy and youth potential.

International Literacy Day, observed globally each year, provides an opportunity to renew attention on the importance of literacy as a foundation for personal opportunity, social inclusion and sustainable development. The 2026 theme connected literacy directly to the well-being of people, the health of the planet and the pursuit of shared prosperity. By honouring students who already demonstrate leadership and community service, the YES Awards sought to reinforce the message that education’s value multiplies when young people apply their skills beyond the classroom.

The 27 awardees represent a diverse group drawn from multiple countries and regions. Their selection process prioritised not only individual excellence but also evidence of sustained, measurable impact. Organisers noted that recognising such achievements publicly helps inspire other young people and draws attention to the practical ways education can drive positive change at the community level.

Speakers and organisers repeatedly returned to the idea that literacy and education form the basis for responsible citizenship and innovative problem-solving. In an era of rapid technological and environmental change, they argued, equipping young people with knowledge, critical thinking skills and a sense of social responsibility remains essential. The awards ceremony itself served as a platform for celebrating those who already embody these qualities.

Also Read: The Silent Literacy Crisis: Why Students Struggle to Write in 2026

Support from corporate partners and educational institutions in Dubai illustrated the potential of cross-sector collaboration. Businesses and community organisations each bring different strengths, and the event demonstrated how those strengths can be aligned in service of shared educational goals. The presence of representatives from the Consulate General of India and the National Small Industries Corporation further underlined the official recognition of the initiative’s value.

Looking ahead, KCS Foundation indicated that the YES Awards will continue as a platform for identifying and encouraging young achievers. The organisation views such recognition as one element within a broader strategy of partnerships, programmes and outreach that together aim to expand educational opportunity and youth empowerment. The Dubai event, held in connection with International Literacy Day, provided a visible expression of that longer-term commitment.

In summary, the YES Awards 2026 brought together students, educators, business leaders and officials to celebrate the power of literacy and education. By honouring 27 young people for both personal achievement and community contribution, the KCS Foundation reaffirmed its focus on developing the next generation of leaders while advancing the goals associated with UNESCO’s literacy theme for the year. The evening stood as a clear statement that education, when combined with leadership and service, can generate meaningful and lasting impact across communities and borders.