Portsmouth: Young Catholics inspired by leadership training

Source: CAFOD

More than 40 young Catholics from across the Portsmouth Diocese came together for their first leadership training day at St Joseph's College, Reading - and are now excited to act for global communities.

The year-long course, offered to those in their first year of sixth form, has been running for over half a decade and inspired a generation to raise awareness and fundraise for communities around the world.

Deputy Head Pastoral at St Joseph's College, Mrs Jwaideh, said: "We have been delighted to host the first CAFOD schools Young Leadership training day. It was a joy to see young people across Portsmouth Diocese working together for the common good. Thank you to CAFOD for the opportunity to take part."

This was the first of the training sessions which will run throughout the academic year and will teach the students about key areas of CAFOD's work, including its programmes with partners in developing countries and its efforts to fight poverty and injustice.

The sessions will also develop several leadership skills such as communication, organisation and problem solving.

In between sessions, pupils will put their knowledge and skills into practice by organising fundraising activities and taking part in campaigns, to help others learn about CAFOD's work.

Sinead Callaghan, Young Leadership Coordinator at CAFOD, said: "Last year, over 250 young people were trained as part of the Young Leadership programme and they collectively reached out to almost 40,000 people through their volunteering. CAFOD really believes in young people. We're inspired by them and know they can take the lead. We want to support these young people to be key influencers - both of their peers and in their local communities - to help bring about positive changes."

If you would like to run a Young Leadership course at your school, CAFOD has free CPD courses available. Find out more at cafod.org.uk/connectingclassrooms