AFRUCA (Africans Unite Against Child Abuse), the leading charity promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of African children in the UK, has been nominated for a major national prize at the UK charity sector’s most prestigious awards scheme, The Charity Awards.

The charity, which was established in the aftermath of the deaths of children like Jude Akapa, Victoria Climbie and Damilola Taylor, has been shortlisted in the Children & Youth category. It is hoping to pick up the coveted award at an awards ceremony in London on 9th June attended by personalities including comedian Hugh Dennis, author Monica Ali, star of Strictly Come Dancing Bruno Tonioli and newsreaders Krishnan Guru Murthy and Andrea Catherwood.

Chosen from a record number of entries, AFRUCA has been shortlisted by the Charity Awards judges for the excellent work it does campaigning against the trafficking and exploitation of African children to the UK.  Guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the charity works to sensitise African communities to the issues, provide support for child victims of trafficking and influence government policy.  If it wins its category the charity will also be in the running to pick up the Overall Award for excellence in charity management – a prestigious award given to the best of the 10 category winners.

The annual Charity Awards ceremony, sponsored by the Charities Aid Foundation, The Leadership Trust and The Times, is the highest profile event in the charity calendar.  Since launching 12 years ago, the awards have honoured hundreds of charities, large and small, from across the UK, acknowledging their outstanding work and achievements and the tireless commitment of the people behind them.  The charities, which submit their own entries, are each shortlisted for specific initiatives which have improved the delivery of their charitable objectives and which demonstrate outstanding examples of best practice from which other charities can learn.

The Charity Awards 2011 is organised by Civil Society Media, the leading publishing and training company for the voluntary sector.  The distinguished panel of judges includes Andrew Hind CB, former chief executive of the Charity Commission, Dr John Low CBE, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, Dame Mary Marsh, founding director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme and former chief executive of the NSPCC, Sir Christopher Kelly, chair of the King’s Fund, Lesley-Anne Alexander, chief executive of RNIB and Martin Brookes, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital.

Daniel Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards 2011 comments:

“The Charity Awards recognise and reward the exceptional work that takes place within the voluntary sector right across the UK and beyond.

This year, our 12th, has seen a record number of organisations decide that it is their time to take a bow, demonstrating that charities, rather than being disheartened by the challenging times we face, are finding strength and inspiration in adversity.  It is a great testimony to the spirit of the sector and makes the acknowledgement of the major and selfless contribution they make to society, more important than ever.

By being shortlisted, AFRUCA has already demonstrated that it is amongst the best managed charities in the UK. I wish everyone involved the best of luck on the night.”

For more information about the Charity Awards 2011 please contact:  

Theresa Osen at Origin Communications on 07931 335930 theresaosen@gmail.com

www.charityawards.co.uk

For more information about Civil Society Media visit www.civilsociety.co.uk.