The 4th edition of the Tigra Nova Garra Awards celebrated, on Saturday, the grit, innovation, and talent of eight young Angolans leading high-impact projects in society, science, culture, and sports. In an emotional gala held at the Talatona Convention Center, the winners of this Refriango initiative once again demonstrated that Angola's youth are the driving force behind the country's sustainable development.
Luanda, June 3, 2024 – For the fourth consecutive year, young Angolans shone at the grand gala of the Tigra Nova Garra Awards. Refriango's initiative recognized eight individuals with impactful projects across various domains, embodying the creativity, resilience, and determination to shape the nation's future.
This year, in the Environment and Public Service category, the winner was Edgar Faxa, an agronomist and environmental and social specialist with the PDAC (Agricultural Commercial Development Project). PDAC, active for four years, has trained and empowered over 1,500 young people.
In Health, the award went to Délcio Arsénio, a dentistry student and founder of the Identidade project, which provides free dental care to underserved communities. Since 2020, the initiative has conducted over 15,000 free consultations in Luanda and Bengo, distributed over 3,000 oral hygiene kits, and performed around 2,000 free dental treatments.
Adilson Gonçalves excelled in Education, with his social project, Biblioteca Contr'Ignorância. Over its three years, the library has reached over 1,200 beneficiaries through classes, workshops, storytelling events, reading clubs, panel discussions, and debates.
In Music, Angelina Canguenha claimed the spotlight. Hailing from Huila Province, she leads the group Angie & Banda, specializing in jazz performances in Lubango, interpreting classics from Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, alongside Angolan Afro-jazz compositions.
The Arts category went to Gegé M'bakudi for his disruptive and innovative approach as a visual artist. His work, expanding into audiovisual mediums, has featured in exhibitions and cultural events. He gained prominence in the 2020 "Plasticamente Arte" competition.
In Science, Technology & Digital Innovation, Paciência Muienga, a computer engineer, was awarded for his SIDT (Intelligent Tuberculosis Detection System) project. The system offers automated and precise diagnostic solutions, early detection capabilities, and equitable healthcare access, significantly enhancing tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Angola.
In Sports, Sina Teresa, a physical education teacher and national bodybuilding champion, won with her FISIOFITNESS project.
Each category winner received a prize of 1 million kwanzas and will participate in the 4th edition of the Tigra Cubs bootcamp, a two-day multidisciplinary immersion on July 6-7. Participants will engage in critical thinking challenges and propose innovative solutions to real societal issues. They will also have access to experienced mentors, practical workshops, and networking opportunities to help transform their ideas into actionable projects.
As a tradition in the Tigra Nova Garra Awards, one standout nominee received the “Eu Sou Fera” honorary prize, worth 500,000 kwanzas. This year, the honor went to Erik Barros, 2023 world and African jiu-jitsu champion, currently competing at the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024.
The winners were chosen through a combined decision of 50% public votes, cast on Tigra's YouTube channel, and 50% jury deliberation.
This edition saw the debut of Kâmia Madeira as the jury member for the Education category, joined by Ludmila Rangel (Health), Iliandra Baptista (Environment), Mehak Vieira (Arts), Walter Lobão (Sports), Mauro Sérgio (Science, Technology & Digital Innovation), and Tri Chu (Hélio Santos) (Music). The jurors emphasized the consistency and quality of the projects presented, elevating access to and visibility of impactful initiatives.
“It is always with great emotion and pride that we witness this display of talent, grit, determination, and willpower from exceptional young Angolans,” said Tânia Jardim, Marketing Director at Refriango. “The youth have a unique way of interpreting the world, and their disruptive thinking is what drives transformation. The awardees and all nominees embody this ability to dedicate their talent, knowledge, and time for the benefit of others, building a more inclusive future where culture, sports, science, health, and technology are the engines of sustainable development. We will continue to support their professional journeys and encourage them to persevere, maintaining their passion for what they do and love for their community. This mission is not only a responsibility but an honor and joy for Tigra and Refriango.”
The Tigra Nova Garra Awards, launched in 2021 as part of Refriango's social responsibility plan, aim to recognize and elevate young national talents making a difference in critical areas for Angola's development and societal well-being. The initiative reaffirms Tigra's mission to empower Angolan youth, fostering their personal and professional growth.
The gala will be broadcast in full this Wednesday, June 5, on Angola's public TV channel TPA and again on Saturday, June 8, on the same channel.
