We’re proud to share that the Tutu Foundation UK, in partnership with the City of London Academies Trust, has secured funding to deliver a new series of Ubuntu Round Tables in London schools, starting January 2026. This milestone marks a significant step forward in building bridges between young people and the police – creating spaces for understanding, dialogue, and community transformation.
Born from one young person’s powerful call for change after a distressing stop and search, the Ubuntu Round Tables Project brings young people and local police together in youth-led, facilitated discussions that surface difficult issues-from stop and search to safety and respect. What makes this project stand out is its commitment to flipping the script: young people lead the preparation, choose the topics, and facilitate the conversations. It’s not just about talking, it’s about restoring respect and recognising shared humanity.
The upcoming series will train and support a new generation of young facilitators – many of whom have had challenging encounters with police themselves. They will gain leadership, mediation, and project management experience, with opportunities for paid work, apprenticeships, and community engagement. Through this model, we’re not only creating safe spaces for dialogue-we’re also building pathways to purpose and influence for young people often excluded from shaping decisions that affect their lives.
Having already brought together officers and young people in powerful shared experiences, the next phase will deepen local impact and extend the reach of this vital community-led work. Together, we’re turning mistrust into momentum.