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Leeds- 2026
Afrikindness is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of the Overall Contribution – Third Sector category at the prestigious Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026.
This recognition marks a deeply meaningful milestone for the organisation, which was selected from more than 900 nominations received across Leeds. The award celebrates outstanding contributions to improving the lives of children and young people and recognises organisations that are making a sustained, city-wide impact.
For Afrikindness, this achievement is both celebratory and reflective. It represents years of dedicated work alongside children, young people, parents, schools, and communities—particularly those experiencing poverty, inequality, cultural barriers, and social exclusion.
A Win Rooted in Community Impact
Afrikindness has grown into a trusted community organisation committed to ensuring that every child and young person feels safe, valued, included, and empowered to thrive.
Through its Afrikindness Leadership Academy, youth-led research, safeguarding programmes, school-based cultural initiatives, and family support services, the organisation has worked to create meaningful opportunities for children and young people to develop confidence, identity, and leadership skills.
Over the past year, Afrikindness has supported young people through its Leadership Academy, many of whom face challenges linked to poverty, digital exclusion, and social isolation. The programme has helped them build emotional resilience, communication skills, digital literacy, and a strong sense of belonging.
In addition, Afrikindness has delivered safeguarding workshops, parenting programmes, and community support initiatives, including social service interventions that help de-escalate situations, support parents through training, and work in partnership with social services around Child in Need and Child in Care processes, ensuring families can navigate complex systems, access appropriate support, and achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
A Message of Gratitude
Commenting on the win, Sukwinder Bassi, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Afrikindness, said:
Contributing to a Child-Friendly City
Afrikindness is proud to contribute to the vision of a truly inclusive and child-friendly Leeds by supporting key Child Friendly Leeds priorities, including:
- Children and young people having a voice that is heard and valued
- Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Creating safe spaces for children to learn, play, and grow
- Tackling poverty and supporting families in need
- Expanding opportunities for youth employment, volunteering, and leadership
- Promoting inclusion for children and young people with additional needs
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and highly commended organisations and individuals recognised at this year’s awards. We are honoured to be celebrating alongside so many inspiring contributors making a difference across the city.
We would also like to sincerely thank Child Friendly Leeds and Leeds City Council for their continued support, collaboration, and commitment to partnership working. Your leadership continues to make Leeds a truly child-friendly city where children and young people are placed at the heart of decision-making and community life.
Read more about the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2026 here:-
Child Friendly Leeds 2026 Awards
Looking Ahead
Afrikindness remains committed to strengthening its work across Leeds and beyond, continuing to support children, young people, and families through education, advocacy, safeguarding, research, and community-led programmes.
The organisation will continue to build on this recognition by expanding its impact and deepening its partnerships across schools, communities, and local services.
Afrikindness looks forward to celebrating this achievement with fellow winners, finalists, and community champions who are collectively shaping Leeds into one of the most child-friendly cities in the country.
To know more about Afrikindness programs for young people, visit :- https://afrikindness.org/child-young-person/
Find out more about Child Friendly Leeds here:- https://cfl.leeds.gov.uk
