CAFOD Young Leaders June 2024

The CAFOD Young Leaders programme is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students who are passionate about making a difference in the world. The program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of global poverty issues and empower and equip them with the tools to successfully run their own social action projects for global justice.

This year, 11 Sixth Form students have participated in the programme and raised over £300 for CAFOD throughout school fundraising events such as cake sales, Christmas gift sales and the Saint Valentine’s Day flower sale where the students organised their own secret admirer delivery service.  The CAFOD Young Leaders program has been an excellent opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills while positively impacting the world.

On Friday 14th June, Sixth Form students attended the CAFOD celebration day where they received their certificates recognising all the hard work that they have done this year. The Young Leaders had a closing liturgy where they were anointed to mark their intentions to carry on the work that they had begun. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.

The Young Leader’s have also produced a video talking about their experience of the programme and why they chose to took part, which you can view below

CAFOD Young Leaders May 2023

The CAFOD Young Leaders program is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students who are passionate about making a difference in the world. The program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of global poverty issues and empower and equip them with the necessary tools to run their own social action project for global justice successfully. As a member of the CAFOD young leaders group, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the fight against poverty and injustice. They will learn about various issues related to global poverty, including hunger, lack of access to clean water, and healthcare. The program emphasizes the importance of young people’s role in poverty reduction, and students will be trained to become leaders for social justice in their local and global communities.

Throughout the year, students will receive comprehensive training on different leadership skills, including planning, communication, and teamwork. They will learn how to manage their social action projects, create effective fundraising campaigns, and build networks to support their cause. The CAFOD Young Leaders program is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills while making a positive impact on the world. By participating in the program, students will gain valuable experience and knowledge that will benefit them in their future careers and personal lives.

Here are some of our CAFOD Young Leaders’ views …

“The CAFOD leadership course has been a great opportunity to develop my presentation, organisational and leadership skills. I have been able to put what I have learnt into action by practising in front of fellow students from different areas across the south - something I would be unable to do at school. Since participating in the leadership course my social skills and confidence have greatly improved, as well as my ability to engage with others and recognise leadership qualities in my peers as well as myself.”

Sophie Adams

“I chose to partake in the leadership course because I felt it was a great way to help people in need get involved in the vital work CAFOD. However, I myself have a lot from the experience - organisational and presentation skills that will help me throughout my life, and met many amazing new people who have many interesting ideas and thoughts that I have learnt and gained.”

Becky O'Rourke

“I joined the CAFOD Leadership course in September 2015 for various reasons. One of them was to broaden my horizons. I felt this course would help me to meet new people and learn how to plan and organise events that are beneficial to the community. I have gained so much from this course, for example, I feel more confident now to speak in public and know what I need to do to prepare a speech. I have also learned to listen to other people’s ideas and put them into consideration as well as being creative when thinking about how to hold events. I have learned so much and I hope to continue learning!”

Pelumi Ajelabi

“The amazing opportunity presented to us by CAFOD leadership programme has allowed us to use our power as young people to inspire and encourage not only our generation but others as well, to invest in the work of CAFOD. This programme has given us the opportunity to meet new influential young people as well as gaining confidence in speaking and presenting in public. We have also taken part in exercises that stretched and challenged our ability to work as a team. Thanks to the excellent staff at CAFOD, we have been able to make a difference in the wider world and educate young people on global issues that affect millions of people.”

Niamh Wilkinson and Ellen McGill

“I really value my place on the leadership course as it enables me to make a positive contribution to the community here at school and nationally. It has also enabled me to develop my own leadership and communication skills. I have gained knowledge about important issues that CAFOD combats and awareness about, and the recognition that every individual can make a positive impact. The decision to go on the course was made without hesitations I wanted to take the opportunity to embrace the work of CAFOD.”

Sarah Muwanga