THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu has spoken about the inequalities pupils face in the North, as he launches a fundraising appeal today for his Youth Trust.

The trust has so far supported over 50,000 pupils in 450 schools since 2008 with its Young Leaders Awards.

Now the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust is hoping to raise £375,000 to reach an extra 15,000 young people in 300 primary and secondary schools living in disadvantaged communities across the region.

Dr Sentamu said: “I strongly believe that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today, and that young people should be taking an active role in society.”

To do that, he says they need to be given the confidence and opportunity, as well as inspiration.

Dr Sentamu added: “We provide resources for primary and secondary schools to take their pupils through a structured programme of volunteering, leadership and social action.

“By creating a kinder and more resilient generation, young leaders can not only shape their own futures, but they can help provide solutions to societies problems and challenges.

“Our awards are for all children, regardless of what their faith is or if they are atheists or agnostic.”

“We all share those fundamental human values of kindness, empathy and a driving force to do good.

“It deeply troubles me that although at 11 years old children in the North are roughly on track with their southern counterparts in terms of educational attainment, that by the age of 16 the gap has widened markedly.”Across Yorkshire 300,000 children grow up in poverty; the equivalent of nine children in every classroom of 30. The Institute for Fiscal Studies project that levels of relative child poverty will increase by 50 per cent by 2020.

“It is a staggering challenge and one we are committed to turning around,” he said. “The realities of modern poverty can destroy childhoods and limit life chances. Every child deserves the opportunity to realise their potential. This is an issue that effects the very fabric of our society today, and in the future.

“We are taking action now to unite in the North, work with our schools, and change young people’s lives. They in turn will shape our lives, and our world.”

Archbishop Holgate’s School has run the Young Leaders Award for many years and Year 9 leaders recently hosted a coffee afternoon and entertainment for local residents, involving 201 pupils. Every student had to design and complete projects that made a difference in school, at home and in the wider community.

And Year 5 pupils at Park Grove Primary organised a community breakfast this summer to celebrate the opening of the school’s wildlife garden helped by Urban Buzz.

Donate at https://www.archbishopofyorkyouthtrust.co.uk/

Bear Grylls, the TV adventurer and Scout leader has backed the Youth Trust. He said: “I’m very proud to support the archbishop’s work in schools. With the heart and spirit of the Youth Trust’s Young Leaders Award, young people thrive and that is always incredible to see.”

“The essential life skills that don’t make exam targets – such as compassion, patience, self-control, gentleness and leadership – are central to our Young Leaders Award, “