The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has praised young people from York who have been the first to complete the senior Young Leaders Award, developed by his Youth Trust. The aim of the Awards is to equip young people to ‘be the change they want to see’ in their schools and local communities.

Today, the Archbishop presented 22 badges and certificates to Year 11 students from Manor CE Academy who have completed the Key stage 4 version of the Young Leaders Award. The students were the first to pilot the Award and they all took part in the Leadership programme, launched at Bishopthorpe Palace in September 2011.

Over the last two years the students have completed ten modules and undertaken a number of challenging projects in order to develop their leadership skills. Alongside this, every task has seen them serving others and making a difference in the community, be it through mentoring younger pupils in school, raising money for charities, leading workshops in primary schools, to working in hospices in Romania.  

The Archbishop said:

“These young people have been on an incredible journey over the last two years. It has been a privilege to watch them grow in their Leadership skills and put what they have learnt into practice through serving others. It is wonderful to see young people leading the way and aiming high. These young people are trailblazers in our society.  Sometimes it is hard to be the first person to do something, but that leap of faith can inspire others to follow. These students have raised thousands of pounds for charities, spoken passionately about key issues in society today and have continually set the example in what it means to be an active citizen. My message to them is to keep up the good work!”

Brian Crosby, the Principal of Manor Church of England Academy said:  

“Whatever the world holds for each of these young people, I am confident that the experience they have gained through this Award, regardless of academic backgrounds, will help these young people to go out and make a difference”.

One of the students Rebecca Naish aged 16 said:

“The Young Leaders Award has helped me to develop as a person. I have gained confidence, am now a better decision maker, and am able to work well under pressure with all sorts of people. The Award has improved my interpersonal skills and I am now far more organised. Overall, it has helped me to become a better listener and I have learnt new ways of leading a team towards the best possible outcome”.

About the Young Leaders Award

The aim of the Young Leaders Award is to equip young people with key leadership skills which will enable them to get involved in their communities and be the change they want to see. The Awards are available at key stages 2, 3, 4 and Post 16.