Overview

Columba 1400’s fundamental belief is that all young people, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to maximise their potential, the confidence to seize opportunities and the wisdom to realise the importance of giving back to society. For far too many young people, this is not happening.

This is not just failing our young people; it is failing society as a whole. Young people are denied the chance to make a full contribution to society, and society loses the benefit of that contribution.

Independent research in 2008 by the respected charity assessors New Philanthropy Capital found every £1 spent on the Young People’s Leadership Academy saved a minimum of £2.50 in costs to society because young people move into employment.

An evaluation in 2009 found that 74% of Leadership Academy graduates move into or sustain themselves in education, employment or training, almost double the proportion of those who had not participated in the Columba 1400 programme.