The Hargreaves Foundation supports Debate Mate Schools

The Hargreaves Foundation is pleased to announce they will fund Debate Mate Schools. This will support the delivery of their 12-week DebateBox programme for young teenage students in London or Liverpool. The programme combines debate training with boxing, aiming to develop essential employability and life skills in disadvantaged young people.

Debate Mate’s initiative provides a fun and engaging way for students to develop their speaking and listening skills, strengthen their emotional capacity, and improve their leadership teamwork, and self-management abilities. They will work in partnership with local boxing gyms and will culminate in a DebateBox Finale, where students can showcase their newly acquired skills.

The funding will cover the costs of Debate Mate facilitators, boxing coaches, transportation, and additional safety equipment. Debate Mate helps students from low-income backgrounds who are at risk of academic and behavioural issues. The programme aims to provide them with a positive outlet and develop skills that will improve their long-term prospects.