The Larissa Award is dedicated to the memory of Larissa, a girl from Africa who passed away tragically at the age of five. During her short life, she brought immense pleasure to her parents, grandparents and friends.

Larissa was highly sensitive, intelligent and generous in her possessions and now in her spirit.

The biennial award symbolises the tragedy of one in five African children who die before their sixth birthday.

Larissa would be content to know that this award bearing her name will advance the rights and well-being of African children.

The Larissa Award is an instrument of The African Child Policy Forum to inspire the best and draw on the positive influences in Africa and recognise those that have helped Africa to progress and become a better place for children. The specific purpose of the Larissa Award is to give recognition and encouragement to exemplary initiatives for the well-being of children in Africa.

The award may cover a broad range of activities such as health care, education, nutrition, and care of orphans. Every two years, a specific issue will be chosen. The African Child Policy Forum hopes through appropriate publicity and other means, the Larissa Award will encourage the expansion and replication of such initiatives.

The conditions for nominations determine that the award should go to an individual or organisation that has provided an outstanding service to children. Although nominees from Africa are especially welcome, the Award is open to all who have contributed to the promotion of the rights and well-being of African children.