Year 1 pupils at Greenhill Primary School, Bury, took part in the KS1 Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award exploring the themes of kindness, perseverance, teamwork and action.  Pupils took part in challenges to share these skills with their school and local communities.

They found out about a local community pantry in their area and decided to take action to support this valuable project helping local people in need.

The pupils wrote a letter to the school community asking for donations for the pantry. They sorted the donated items and helped to stock the shelves and get everything ready at the pantry. They also drew pictures to decorate the pantry walls.

One pupil said, “Kindness is about what you say and what you do. I like helping other people. I kept on trying and I didn't give up to reach my goal.”

These KS1 young leaders inspired their whole school community to come together to offer donations and plan to add a permanent food donation box to the school foyer to continue to collect donations.

Their teacher said, "The Year 1 children have thoroughly enjoyed their time working towards the Archbishops' Young Leaders Award! Their daily interactions are marked by genuine kindness and support for one another. We have seen a noticeable difference in the levels of perseverance they apply to their learning tasks too. The local community pantry has been very complimentary about the pupils' conduct throughout their project and have been grateful for the donations received. These will go on to benefit families in need from the local area. The children's artwork is also proudly on display at the pantry for all who visit to enjoy."

These young leaders have shown empathy, compassion and determination to make a difference in their community.

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