The Ubuntu Round Tables Project brings together disenfranchised young people and their local police officers to foster mutual respect and understanding, thereby reducing Police-Youth antagonism and building the trust that underpins street safety.
The project, a powerful partnership between Youth Futures and the Tutu Foundation UK, emerged from a young man’s vision for change inspired by a disrespectful and upsetting stop and search. It establishes a framework that allows local young people to invite their local Police Officers to engage in discussions facilitated by other young people. The topics are selected by the participants during a preparation process, ensuring their relevance to the local community.
The Youth-Led philosophy that forms the foundation of the project acknowledges and actively addresses the power disparity between young people and the police, thereby creating an environment where all participants feel comfortable and secure enough to engage in open and honest discussions.
This project, essentially, is a community mediation initiative led by communities across different regions, supported by the Partnership. Its primary objective is to foster a deeper understanding between police officers and young people, as well as help young people recognise and trust the human beings behind the police uniforms. The skills acquired and the experience gained through participation are shared with peers.
More info: https://tutufoundationuk.org/ubuntu-round-tables-project/