DEBATE MATE

POWERING SOCIAL CHANGE

Indigo is honoured to support Debate Mate, a social enterprise that powers social change through peer-to-peer debate mentoring. Working in areas that suffer high-levels of child poverty, Debate Mate run after-school debating clubs facilitated by students at the best universities, which give disadvantaged young people the skills they need to become exceptional young leaders. 

Developing debating skills is an effective method of preparing and motivating young people for higher education and the world of work. Many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have hidden talents that require innovative programmes to enable them to unlock their true potential, and break out of the poverty spiral perpetuated by circumstance of birth or environment.

In 2007, Debate Mate realised that the solution to providing increased life chances in the real world is a simple balance of opportunity for education, combined with skills development. Debate Mate is currently working with 120 schools and over 1,500 students each week, running in-person and online sessions delivered by nearly 300 aspirational university student mentors.  We have seen Debate Mate students win national championships, scholarships to Eton, places at Oxbridge, and be part of the winning England team at the World Schools Debating Championship.  Critically we have seen the positive impact our programme has in the schools, families and communities, our students and ultimately in the quality of their lives. 

Debate Mate’s bespoke corporate programmes are also in high demand.  Underpinned with the their core teaching values, these programmes are impactful and highly-effective.   

debatemate.com