A YOUNG charity founder is among 20 Barnet people whose achievements are being highlighted in a booklet designed to inspire young readers.

Samuel Kasumu, who won two awards in October for his work through charity Elevation Networks, is one local youngsters featured in the Beyond the Class booklet launched last week.

Barnet Homes resident Rui Jorge Octavio and the youth organisation Nutmeg CommUNITY officially launched the booklet at a ceremony on Wednesday at the North Road Community Centre, in Edgware.

Mr Kasumu is joined by entrepreneurs, volunteers and musicians, aged between 16 and 25.

Nominations were sought from people across Barnet and the final 20 were selected by a judging panel of seven young people from Nutmeg and the Volunteer Centre Barnet’s youth action team.

Mr Octavio, Nutmeg co-founder said: “We think there’s a big gulf between how the media portrays young people and the reality on the ground.

“At Nutmeg we’re passionate about raising awareness of the excellent contribution young people in Barnet make to our community. We know that the large majority of young people are staying positive, working hard and determined to have a prosperous future despite facing a number of challenges.

“We want to encourage the community to view young people more positively, and give them more recognition and support."

Barnet Homes chief executive, Tracey Lees, added: “We’re very proud to support Nutmeg and its work to drive aspiration among young people on our estates and across the borough.”