By Government discussing ‘national service’ for 14-year-olds.
Downing Street is examining an idea to bring back a form of national service, aimed at healing divisions in our society.
It would mean 14-year-olds spending a month in term time with pupils from other schools and backgrounds, both rich and poor.
They’d be put in teams of 12 to bond on camping and hiking expeditions and would learn new skills to benefit their local communities.
The plan is the brainchild of former government education adviser Jon Yates, who now runs the £200million Youth Endowment Fund.
Mr Yates believes 14-year-olds would love to learn new skills.
Downing Street, AP
He said: “One group might make a film of the life stories of elderly residents while another might run after-school sports for younger children.”
The main aim is to get children to mix with people from diverse backgrounds to improve their life chances.
Writing for The Mirror Yates said: “In our divided society, richer kids have networks we can’t access. Now the richest 5% live in a bubble and don’t know what our life is like.
“Our elected leaders are a bubble of middle-class graduates. Thirty years ago a third of Labour MPs were working class. Today just 3% are – and it’s losing the working class vote.
“The result is a democracy that isn’t working.”
Contact Gi National
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
