Rotarian Harry named ‘Outstanding Young Person of the World’

Eighteen-year-old Harry was chosen as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Persons of the World by Junior Chamber International (JCI), which is a non-profit organisation for people aged between 18 and 40-years-old.

According to JCI, those who make the list do so for their “exceptional service, creativity and the positive change they have created in their communities and the world”.

In making the award, the judging panel said of Harry: “His efforts have shown that young digital entrepreneurs have the ability to do more than just talk but, ultimately, build the future.”

Harry was nominated for the award by his club, the Rotary Club of Naas.

Earlier this year Harry, from Clane in County Kildare, was one of Rotary’s Young Citizen Award winners, which he was presented with at the Rotary Conference in Manchester.

On Twitter, a delighted Harry tweeted: “It’s official, I am one of the JCI Ten Outstanding Young People of the World for 2017 – Thank you all so much for the support!”

His efforts have shown that young digital entrepreneurs have the ability to do more than just talk but, ultimately, build the future.”

At the age of 15, the talented teenager founded his first business, Kid Tech, which ran training courses and holiday camps teaching coding and technology to young children.

Through this, he realised the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and over the space of sixteen months, he went on to teach over 800 kids to code all around Ireland.

In 2014, Harry founded the first Digital Youth Council in the world, which he is currently Director of.

This was created to provide a platform for some of Ireland’s leading young STEM advocates, to work with the Irish government in delivering programmes, creating opportunities and ensuring that young people have a say in their future.

He was ranked first in the Sunday Independent’s Top 30 under 30 in 2016.

It’s official, I am one of the JCI Ten Outstanding Young People of the World for 2017 – Thank you all so much for the support! #Buzzing pic.twitter.com/qGcMP6cMyS

� Harry McCann (@TheHarryMcC) August 31, 2017

After winning the award in Manchester, Harry said: “It’s been over four years since I founded my first business and every day since has been incredible.”

“I have got to meet and work with some amazing people over the last few years, including some truly wonderful Rotarians.”

“I am delighted that the people at Rotary think highly enough of me to award me the Youth Citizen Award for 2017, and I will be forever grateful for the support and guidance they have given me over the past few years.”

“I look forward to being a member of the Rotary club Naas for many years to come.”