Archbishop Tutu says Leeds teenager is 'an inspiration'

HE is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, chairman of The Elders, and
was recently at the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of
Freedom from Barack Obama. But despite his many accolades and being an inspiration to millions, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has revealed the identity of one of his own heroes - 15-year-old Leeds schoolgirl Naomi Cumming.

In a video message to the teenager released today, the 77 year old
legendary South African anti-apartheid campaigner said: "Naomi - you
don't know just what an encouragement you are. I look up to you. The
things I've heard about you are just amazing. You are an inspiration to
me and many, many others who think that the problems we face are beyond
our capacity to resolve. ...Thank you for reigniting our faith. You are
a super-dooper person! God bless you."

See the Archbishop's comments by clicking here

Archbishop Tutu was making the comments ahead of a special event to mark the launch of the Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

The Trust is being created to recognise and encourage the work of young
people in the North of England who have been inspired by their faith to
transform their communities. Naomi has been chosen as one of six award
winners because of her work with the Christ Church Armley Youth Project
in Leeds.

Much of the Youth Trust's work is targeted in areas of economic
deprivation, providing opportunities to help young people develop their
leadership potential. Through fostering leadership skills in young and
recognising achievement, the trust encourages young people who are
working alongside others in the service of the common good.

Naomi has attended activities run by the project since the age of five
and has now become a youth leader in her own right after completing a
peer mentoring course.

In a video produced about the work of Christ Church Armley, Naomi said
the youth project provided a safe, warm place for local children to
belong and offered an alternative to the under-age drinking and
vandalism.

"We are really grateful to the Youth Trust for the money that they're
giving us," she said. "It's going to change what we've got now to
something a lot better."

See Naomi's You Tube Video here

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: "I want the Trust to send
a message out to passionate young people that they can make a positive
difference in their local communities. They really can be the change
they want to see."