Dan Finn, Director of The Archbishop of York’s Youth
Trust said, “We want our Young Leaders Awards to reach more children,
particularly those with challenging backgrounds for whom, we believe,
our Young Leaders Award will make a real difference. It costs just £25
to support a pupil through the leadership programme. We are calling on
the general public, business leaders and organisations to back our
fundraising appeal to help us raise £375,000.”
The Young Leaders
Awards, developed by the Youth Trust, are delivered to faith and
non-faith groups, educating young people about community, respect and
also developing a greater understanding of self and others. Citizenship
modules are completed as part of the Awards which encourage youth-led
volunteering and positive social action. Students are guided and
encouraged to run their own projects such as litter picking, fundraising
for their local hospice, organising a Christmas party for the elderly,
or supporting their local food bank.
The Young Leaders Awards are
designed to boost confidence, emotional resilience and life skills
whilst learning about inspirational global leaders such as Mahatma
Ghandi, whose famous phrase, “be the change you want to see” is a core
value of the charity.
An independent research report from the
University of Gloucestershire found that many of the children who took
part in the Award experienced increased confidence, self-esteem and
emotional resilience. In turn, 60% of pupils stated that they ‘agreed’
or ‘partly agreed’ that they would continue to volunteer in their
communities after the programme had finished. The research shows that
young people demonstrated significant improvements in three core areas:
(i) personal development (maturation, self-awareness, confidence), (ii)
social and community development (respect, tolerance, social awareness),
(iii) and future thinking (world of work skills, practical knowledge
and personal interaction).*
Professor Andrew Parker, University of
Gloucestershire, said, “This research clearly demonstrates the benefits
of the Young Leaders Award both for the young people who take part and
for their schools and communities. Survey and focus group data from over
200 participants highlights the value of the Award in terms of
personal, social and educational development and shows the positive
impact that social action initiatives can have on young people’s lives.
Interviews with teachers also revealed the numerous benefits which the
YLA offers in terms of pupil confidence, resilience and self-awareness
and the potential of the Award to enthuse disengaged learners.”
Barry
Dodd CBE, serial entrepreneur and Chair of the York, North Yorkshire
and East Riding Enterprise Partnership said, “It is a no brainer for
businesses and community leaders to get behind this important
fundraising initiative. We need to support a generation of children and
young people not only to make a difference in their communities today,
but also for when they leave school. Background and social class are
still predictors of life success. Developing strong leaders can help
narrow the social class divide and create a kinder and more resilient
generation.”
Bear Grylls, supporter of the Archbishop of York’s
Youth Trust said, “I’m very proud to support the Archbishop’s work in
schools. With the heart and spirit of the Youth Trust’s Young Leaders
Award, young people thrive and that is always incredible to see.”
To donate go to: www.archbishopofyorkyouthtrust.co.uk