All the stories will be reviewed by an international panel made up of Cochlear Foundation representatives and Cochlear representatives. The panel will select 40 x girls, children and young people to be National Inspirers using the following criteria:

Age: Younger children – 5-9 years old | Tweens – 10-12 years old | Younger teens – 13-15 years old | Older teens – 16-19 years old | Young adults – 20-25 years old

Hearing Loss: 50% have a hearing implant | 50% have hearing loss. Representation of other hearing devices i.e. hearing aids, and/or communication i.e. lipreading and sign language

Gender: An equal (or near equal) gender representation across those selected.

Achievement: Does the achievement stand out as exceptional compared to others in their age category? | Have they exceeded expectations? | Have they overcome barriers boundaries? | Has their story of personal achievement inspired others? | What were the life obstacles that were overcome to reach this achievement? | Has the achievement led to change that will help more children and young people with hearing loss realise their full potential?

Location: America | Brazil | France | India | United Kingdom

From the 40 x National Inspirers, an international panel made up of Malala Fund representatives, Cochlear Foundation representatives and Cochlear representatives. The panel will select 5 x National Ambassadors using the following criteria: Hearing Loss Has a hearing implant

Gender A near equal gender representation across those selected.

Achievement: Which of entries stood out as most inspirational across all age categories? | How concise and articulate the entrant is?

Location: America | Brazil | France | India | United Kingdom

National Ambassadors are girls, children and young people with outstanding personal stories of achievement. National Ambassadors will represent their respective countries at a global event in March 2023). A critical part of their role will be to articulate their story, the stories of others including the National Inspirers and discuss barriers that need to be overcome to help others can gain an education, build self-esteem and realise their full potential throughout their life.