Research shows that enrichment beyond the classroom - arts, sports, and cultural engagement - has measurable impact. Studies by the Education Endowment Foundation in the UK demonstrate that cultural and creative programmes significantly improve self-esteem, social skills, and academic attainment, particularly for disadvantaged children. Neuroscience also supports this: exposure to theatre, music, or literature enhances critical thinking and empathy, qualities essential for success in life.

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This belief underpins my support for The King’s Foundation, His Majesty King Charles III’s charitable foundation. The Foundation has pioneered a wide range of youth initiatives, from the School Farm Network, which reconnects young people with the land through hands-on agricultural learning, to Young People’s Skills programmes that provide training and pathways into meaningful employment. Through its Heritage Craft Apprenticeships, the Foundation helps preserve traditional skills while giving young people a route to economic independence and pride in their craft.

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I experienced the impact of this work first-hand during a visit to Dumfries House in Scotland, the Foundation’s headquarters. There, I saw how the Craft Apprenticeship Programme is transforming the lives of the local youth. Young people who might otherwise have lacked direction were mastering skills in carpentry, stonemasonry, and textiles - crafts that connect them to tradition, whilst simultaneously equipping them for a stable future. What struck me the most from my conversations with them, was their sense of pride and confidence. They were not just learning a trade, but discovering their place in the world.
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I strongly believe that supporting the next generation means unlocking their full potential and equipping them with the tools to imagine a better future - and the creativity and resilience to build it.

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