Afrikindness Wins “Highly Commended – Diversity Project of the Year” at the Leeds City Council Compassionate Awards

Afrikindness is delighted to announce that we have been awarded Highly Commended – Diversity Project of the Year, sponsored by Dawson Group, at the Leeds City Council Compassionate Awards. This recognition is deeply meaningful — not only because it celebrates our work, but because it comes from home. Leeds is where our work is most visible, where our communities live, where our young people grow, and where our mission to build kindness, belonging, and racial harmony is lived out every single day.

This award marks our fourth major recognition since Afrikindness became a registered charity in 2023 — a remarkable milestone for a young organisation breaking barriers across schools, communities, family services, and youth leadership spaces.

Each award has represented progress. But this one is special.

It honours the city that holds our roots, hosts our programmes, and trusts us with the wellbeing and identity of its children.

What This Means for Afrikindness

To be recognised in Leeds, by Leeds, for the work we do within Leeds, affirms the growing impact we are making — especially for children and young people who have often felt unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.

This award celebrates the voices we amplify, the families we walk alongside, and the bridges we continue to build between communities and institutions.

It acknowledges the difference we are making in raising racial awareness, promoting inclusive education, supporting neurodiverse children, strengthening parental engagement, and empowering young people to embrace identity with pride and confidence.

Every programme we run — from our Children’s Leadership Academy to our parent workshops, safeguarding training, cultural education, school resources, and mental health initiatives — is designed to transform the lived experience of children from underrepresented backgrounds.

Through Afrikindness:

• Children develop a strong, positive racial identity.
• Parents feel supported and empowered in their parenting journey.
• Schools gain tools to build inclusive and culturally aware environments.
• Communities grow stronger, more connected, and more compassionate.

This award is a reminder that the work matters — and that it is being seen.

Our Gratitude

This recognition is shared with so many:

• To our incredible volunteers — thank you for giving your time, passion, and heart. Afrikindness thrives because of you.
• To the other winners and nominees — congratulations. Together, we are making Leeds a stronger, kinder, and more inclusive city.
• To Dawson Group, sponsors of the category — thank you for shining a light on diversity initiatives and the organisations working tirelessly to drive change.
• To Leeds City Council — thank you for creating a platform that celebrates compassion, community contribution, and the organisations shaping a better future for our city.
• To the professionals and partners who collaborate with us, from educators to social care teams, community leaders, and youth advocates — thank you for believing in shared purpose.

And most importantly, to all the children, young people, and families who have opened their hearts to us — this award is for you.

Your resilience, your stories, and your courage inspire every step we take.

An African word of wisdom says,

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Afrikindness is going far — because we go together.

Here’s to building kindness, identity, and belonging for every child.