Lauryn Rose Teixeira: Children’s Nobel Peace Prize Finalist
Lauryn Rose Teixeira, a 13-year-old girl of Cape Verdean descent living in the United Kingdom, has been named a finalist for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize. Often referred to as the “Children’s Nobel Peace Prize,” the award recognizes Lauryn’s tireless efforts in anti-racist activism, diversity in literature, and humanitarian work.
According to the KidsRights Foundation, which organizes the prize, Lauryn’s journey began when she realized how frequently the voices of children—particularly Black children—are overlooked. “She decided to use her own story to help other children feel seen and safe,” the Foundation noted on its website.
From Personal Story to Global Impact
In 2022, at just nine years old, Lauryn published her book, “Lauryn – This is Me.” The work explores her heritage as the daughter of a Cape Verdean mother and a Santomean father, and tackles personal challenges, including her father’s departure from the family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book has already garnered international acclaim. In May, the London Assembly presented Lauryn with an Inclusion and Diversity award for “promoting inclusive storytelling and challenging stereotypes about Afro hair and Black identity.”
Supporting Children in Cape Verde
Lauryn’s impact extends far beyond the UK. Nominated by the ACRIDES association in Cape Verde, she has spent years working with schools and community organizations in the archipelago. Her humanitarian efforts include book donation drives and leading workshops for children in vulnerable situations.
“Through her inspiring story as a young multilingual author, she encouraged children to believe in their own potential and to use their voices to promote positive change in their communities,” ACRIDES stated in its recommendation letter.
Joining the Ranks of Global Icons
The International Children’s Peace Prize honors young activists aged 12 to 18 who have made a measurable impact on children’s rights. Lauryn is one of 30 finalists selected from a pool of 250 nominees worldwide.
If she wins, she will join an elite group of past recipients that includes Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai (2013) and climate activist Greta Thunberg (2019). Last year’s winner was Syrian activist Bana Alabed, who documented the siege of Aleppo to give a voice to children in war zones.
Lauryn’s mother, Cristina Cabral, described the application process as “demanding and rigorous,” involving expert interviews and extensive evidence of Lauryn’s social impact. The winner of the 2026 International Children’s Peace Prize will be announced during a ceremony on November 19.
Image: Pexels – Andrea Piacquadio
