Empowering Tomorrow’s Co-op Young Leaders
After a successful launch in 2011, the Co-op Young Leaders programme has been growing for more than 10 years. Starting at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, it’s now delivered in every academy within the Trust from ages 5-18.
The programme has been awarded The Regional Character Awards and The Co-operative Solidarity Award for its ability to provide students with communication and leadership skills that develop their confidence and self-esteem. Students are able to work in teams, teaching their peers and younger pupils. It provides invaluable experience to support students in their next steps and improve the life chances of young people.
Our new Co-op Young Leaders Coordinator, Daniela Faldusova, shares more about her introduction to the role:
“I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Co-op Young Leaders (CYL) Coordinator. I’m based at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe where I lead on the English as an additional language (EAL) provision. I’m passionate about empowering children and young people to thrive, achieve their best and be proud members of their community! I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with the Trust’s Head of Community, Liz Garrity, and all the fantastic young people attending our academies.
In today’s rapidly changing world, leadership skills are more crucial than ever. This is the reason I wanted to be a part of the Co-op Young Leaders team. I believe that at Co-op Academies Trust we understand the importance of nurturing and empowering young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.
I am very much looking forward to visiting and delivering the Co-op Young Leaders training at Beckfield, Woodlands, Princeville, Leeds and Southfield in the new term. I’ll be supporting our academies to relaunch the programme and continue this fantastic bespoke leadership programme.
The programme is designed to identify, develop and support emerging talent within each of our students. By providing children and young people with the opportunities to enhance their self esteem, organisation and leadership skills, we aim to equip them for the future!”
Head of Community, Liz Garrity, said:
“I feel very lucky to have Daniela on board delivering this programme for our academies. The Community Team works very closely with the CYL programme and we look forward to providing volunteering opportunities for students to flourish and develop new skills in their communities.
It’s fantastic to see the way the programme can positively impact lives, not just for themselves, but for the greater good of their community!”