Kesz Valdez, born on December 26, 1998 in the Philippines, experienced a challenging childhood fraught with homelessness and neglect. At a young age, he was forced to leave his home due to the neglect from his parents. Without a stable place to live, he resorted to sleeping on the streets and scavenging for half-eaten food in order to survive.
Despite the adversity he faced, Kesz's life took a turn when he encountered Hanin Manalaysay, who took him under his wing and mentored him. With mentorship and support, Kesz was able to turn his hardships into a drive for change. He founded Championing Community Children, a humanitarian organization dedicated to aiding homeless children in need.
In 2012, Kesz's dedication to helping homeless children earned him the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize in The Hague, Netherlands. Along with the award came 100,000 Euros in prize money, which Kesz used to further his charitable efforts and support more children in need.
Kesz Valdez's work as an activist has inspired and influenced other young activists around the world. He is often associated with prominent figures such as Greta Thunberg and Yeonmi Park, who share his passion for creating positive change and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
Today, Kesz continues to be a shining example of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others, and his work continues to inspire hope and change for a brighter future.