The New York skyline glitters at night. But in early 2015, the city’s lights were eclipsed by the sparkle of diamonds as The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) hosted its annual Good Awards in the heart of the Big Apple.
The New York skyline glitters at night. But in early 2015, the city’s lights were eclipsed by the sparkle of diamonds as The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) hosted its annual Good Awards in the heart of the Big Apple.
Graduates at Africa Leadership Academy, a D.E.F beneficiary in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bringing together diamond producers, manufacturers and retailers, the awards are part of D.E.F’s effort to highlight and celebrate the good diamonds do throughout the world.
The D.E.F was founded in 2007 by businessman Russell Simmons with support from The De Beers Group of Companies. Its mission is to create educational initiatives and opportunities in countries that have significant economic dependence on the diamond industry.
In just eight years, D.E.F has supported more than 2,000 students by providing direct donations to programmes designed to help promising teenagers gain access to higher education. D.E.F’s focus began in sub-Saharan Africa, but has recently broadened to reflect the global nature of the diamond industry.
According to David Prager, D.E.F Board Member and Global Head of Corporate Affairs at De Beers, the work of the Fund reflects the emphasis De Beers places on investment in education: “D.E.F is about empowering communities through education; it’s about helping young people realise their potential by providing clear educational pathways.
“In this way, D.E.F and De Beers are focused on helping diamond communities become strong, stable and socially empowered.”
Students from the Botswana Top Achievers Program, a D.E.F beneficiary through a partnership with the Ministry of Education in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Good Awards
Through D.E.F and events like the annual Good Awards, De Beers is also committed to speaking on behalf of diamond communities about the important role their natural treasure plays in economic development, as Prager explains: “Just as a diamond serves as an important symbol of forever for a young bride, it is also a symbol of forever for the men and women who mine, sort and sell them. They depend on diamonds for employment, healthcare, education and infrastructure development. The diamond industry has a responsibility to share their story. Through D.E.F we can do that.”
At the event in New York, actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour was lauded for her Open Hearts jewellery collection and Foundation, which supports young people in health, education, sports and the arts. Also honoured was David Rocha, whose organisation, Jewelers for Children, works with suppliers who are committed to improving their local communities.
Receiving her award, Seymour paid tribute to the work of D.E.F and to the individuals and organisations gathered at the ceremony, saying: “We have an opportunity to create positive social and cultural change with our collective desire to make a difference in the world.”
Graduates at CIDA City Campus, a D.E.F beneficiary in Johannesburg, South Africa.