Emma Gooding (age 16) is a member of Urban Saints and a leading organiser of overseas projects on behalf of the organisation


Finalist: Young Leader

Emma is a team member of Urban Saints CRUSOE, a Christian Youth Movement which is passionate about spreading the teaching of Jesus to children and young people with no church connection. It organises overseas expeditions in which teams of 16-20 year olds undertake projects in third world countries.

Emma inspired her church and local community, through her enthusiasm and commitment raising twice the required funds (c. £3,000) for the month long trip. In El Salvador she worked with a charity called Compassion; and, then, in Nicaragua she worked with the Exodus project, which creates a safe haven for children suffering domestic abuse in The Santa Ana district – the roughest area in Managua.

On the expedition, Emma enabled the CRUSOE team to build meaningful relationships and provide quality activities for over 100 children in El Salvador. The project leader was able to delegate a great deal of responsibility to Emma in spite of her being the youngest member of the team. Emma also led church services, bible studies and activities in Nicaragua for up to 20 children and was involved in leading the teams own ‘team times’. She was a team leader on the holiday camp for around 60 young people (aged 13-18); despite Emma’s group including girls who were older than her, she maturely led discussion in Spanish.

In El Salvador Emma courageously used her Spanish to speak in front a church delegation of 200 about the project and her faith. Emma was viewed on the project as a strong witness to her faith in her words and behaviour. She showed great commitment to the project throughout. Because of Emma, 6 children were entertained outside formal activity hours, organising ballet classes and other activities. This made an immense difference to their parents. Emma’s commitment to bring out the best in the children led to an emotional break-through with two children aged 4 who had suffered a life of neglect and abuse

Emma is an enthusiastic, passionate teenager who has demonstrated significant commitment to making a difference hands-on in risky and unfamiliar conditions. She has great dedication and religious integrity.

Tell us something your colleagues don’t know about you?
When I was younger I always wanted to be an MI6 agent

Who inspires you?
A Missionary called Jackie Pullinger who loved the unloved and took hope to the hopeless in Hong Kong’s ‘walled city’. Also the Ignite team in Cardiff, who work with youth in Wales. (Hope ’08!!)

What is your top leadership tip?
Love what you are doing and the people you are working with, be passionate about what you are doing and never give up