National education charity, Future First, is aiming to tackle issues around toxic influences such as Andrew Tate, by helping schools in the UK to connect with positive, local role models.
With a soar in school pupils admiring Tate and other negative public figures, the charity is encouraging teachers and pupils to engage in ‘Schools Alumni Week’, which takes place 24th-28th April. The week will aim to help state schools and colleges to connect with former pupils within their own community.
In a recent survey carried out by the charity ‘HOPE not hate’, it was discovered that 45% of males surveyed in the UK aged between 16 to 24, had a positive view of Tate, who is currently under house arrest after being detained in 2022 on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and forming an organised crime group. When asked why they liked Tate, most stated that they thought he “gave good advice”.
With The Guardian recently reporting that online videos including the hashtag #AndrewTate were viewed as many as 12.7bn times, the extent of his influence and reach is clear.
As a charity that builds alumni networks in state schools around the UK, Future First believes that a vast number of young males are lacking positive role models or influences, which schools can actively challenge by utilising the untapped resource of their past pupil community.
We asked national mentoring and education charity, ReachOut, how their male mentees and mentors felt about negative outside influences, such as Andrew Tate.
Mentee Connor, said: “I think he makes people think in different ways which affects their attitude, which makes them end up a lot worse than what they were.”
Connor is currently being mentored by Ayo, who added: “I feel like he has a very hard approach because young people, especially young men, are put under a lot of pressure, and he doesn’t leave space for any remorse. I don’t think he’s a good role model for young people at all.”
“Having a mentor gives you a different perspective as they can help you learn how to improve, and understand how to use your staying power to get better when you fail”, added Connor.
In Schools Alumni Week, the charity is calling on educators, organisations, politicians, and the general public to realise the importance of relatable role models for all pupils, and how an alumni can be the perfect source of inspiration.
Future First will use the week to make resources available to schools and colleges to enhance their ability to engage with their former pupils and build a positive, effective alumni community.
Sue Riley the CEO of Future First commented, “As the disadvantage gap widens, it becomes even more important for children and young people have access to positive, relatable role models. Connecting young people with relatable role models will not only counteract any negative influences, it will also benefit their motivation, improve their confidence and enhance their life chances, helping them to truly understand what they can achieve. We hope that Schools Alumni Week will awaken more schools to the power of past pupils.”
Schools and colleges can find out more about Schools Alumni Week here for more information on how to take part, including resources to use for learning materials.
If you are an organisation, or volunteer and would like to get involved in Schools Alumni Week, please contact: Duncan.grant@futurefirst.org.uk
Media requiring more information should contact Spencer Butt at spencer.butt@futurefirst.org.uk or on 07941876517.
86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
info@futurefirst.org.uk
Future First is the public name for Future First Alumni Limited, a registered charity, number 1135638.
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Future first is delighted to be working with The Waterloo Foundation to build alumni networks in schools across Powys, South Wales
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