Archbishops' Young Leaders Award launches in Wales

Young people will have the chance to develop leadership skills in a new programme supported by the Church in Wales.

The National Society has announced that, following on from a pilot programme in 2023, the Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award is now available for all Welsh schools.

Supported by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, the AYLA Cymru, offers an exciting opportunity for learners to:

• Engage in new learning experiences
• Grow in leadership and develop skills integral to the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales
• Discover the benefits of helping others

Archbishop Andrew says, “Developing young leaders is a key ambition for the Church in Wales. I am delighted we are able to work closely with the Church of England to advance this ambition together. We want to take seriously the wealth of talent we have in Wales and ensure young people shape our future, recognising the depth and breadth of this talent. I am pleased to support this initiative.”

Learners will develop and practise their leadership, learn about inspirational leaders from the past and present, and explore the different communities to which they belong. Based on their work in the classroom, they will then plan and research social action to ‘be the change they want to see’.

We want to take seriously the wealth of talent we have in Wales and ensure young people shape our future

The launch of AYLA Cymru in Wales has been led by Liz Thomas, Director of Education for the Church in Wales, who says, "The Award offers a suite of bilingual resources that enable learners to engage with social action, develop as leaders and agents of change very much within the context of their school and local community. We are delighted to be supporting the AYLA Cymru."

In the pilot schools, learners took part in a wide range of social action to deepen their understanding of 'cynefin' and develop their leadership skills. All projects were identified and researched by the learners, focusing on issues in their communities that were important to them.

Some learners completed individual challenges and cooked meals for their families. Others wrote to their councils and MPs about parking near the school, cars speeding the village and graffiti in parks.

Popular projects included working with younger children in school during break times, by playing games and becoming reading buddies. Others supported elderly relatives and members of the community by organising afternoon teas.

One school worked with the local council to help clean up a community garden and wrote cards to the local emergency services to say thanks for all their help and support within the community.

Elizabeth Howat Head of the AYLA, says, “It is fantastic to see the children’s achievements, which highlight the ‘double benefit’ that taking part in the Award has. Children grow in confidence and compassion, at the same time as building links with communities that have a lasting legacy. As one young leader articulated, ‘Children can change the world because they’re the next generation'."

• The AYLA team look forward to working with more Welsh schools over the coming months. To find out more about getting involved in the Welsh AYLA teachers can join a webinar here: www.abyyt.com/events

Hear more from All Saints Church in Wales School, Barry about their experiences