I'm a Prince of Wales Trust ambassador, so I'm all about giving

"I'm a Prince of Wales Trust ambassador, so I'm all about giving youth an education, a voice and a chance to not take the wrong road." These words, spoken by the renowned Benedict Cumberbatch, capture the essence of a powerful and noble mission: to uplift the youth, to guide them, and to offer them the tools to navigate the many paths that stretch before them. The weight of this responsibility is not lost on Cumberbatch, for it is through education, empowerment, and opportunity that the youth of any nation find their way, not only to personal success but to the betterment of society as a whole.

Throughout history, the story of human progress has been intimately tied to the cultivation of youth. Socrates, that great philosopher of ancient Greece, famously believed that the future of a nation depended on the education of its youth. In his teachings, he sought to cultivate in the minds of the young not just knowledge, but wisdom—a deeper understanding of life, of justice, and of virtue. Education, for Socrates, was not a mere accumulation of facts, but a means of preparing young minds to discern right from wrong, and to make choices that would shape the world for the better. Cumberbatch’s work as an ambassador for the Prince of Wales Trust echoes this ancient wisdom, offering young people not just the tools to succeed, but the moral guidance to navigate the often difficult road ahead.

Consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during the American Civil War was marked not only by courage, but by an unwavering commitment to education and justice. Lincoln’s rise from humble beginnings was made possible by the knowledge he gained, often self-taught, in the books he devoured as a young man. He understood the power of an educated mind in shaping a nation’s future, and he devoted his life to ensuring that future generations had the opportunity to learn, grow, and find their voice. Lincoln believed that education was the key to empowering individuals and that through knowledge, one could rise above the circumstances of their birth to make a difference in the world.

In modern times, we have seen this idea manifest in the work of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending 27 years imprisoned, returned to lead South Africa not just through political action, but through a campaign for education that would uplift the oppressed. Mandela understood, as Cumberbatch does, that youth are the hope of a nation. To offer them a chance at education, to provide them with the tools to make better decisions and to empower their voices, is to set the stage for a brighter future. Mandela’s own journey was one of resilience and learning, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations would have the opportunities that he did not. Through education, Mandela helped guide the youth away from the pitfalls of oppression and into the light of hope.

As Cumberbatch’s words suggest, the path to a better society is not simply one of individual success but of shared responsibility. The Prince of Wales Trust, of which Cumberbatch is an ambassador, works to provide opportunities for the youth to not only receive education but also to find their voice. To empower the young is to offer them the chance to shape their own destinies, to make decisions based on knowledge, compassion, and wisdom. Cumberbatch’s role in this noble cause reminds us that each generation has a responsibility to guide the next, not just by offering resources, but by imparting the wisdom that will help them choose wisely.

The lesson we take from Cumberbatch’s words is clear: the future is in the hands of the youth, and it is our duty to provide them with the education, the opportunity, and the guidance they need to make the right choices. As the ancient Greeks believed, the education of youth is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. Through teaching them not only how to read and write, but also how to think critically, to value empathy, and to seek justice, we set the foundation for a world built on wisdom and compassion. The voice of the youth is a force to be reckoned with; if nurtured and guided properly, it can move mountains and change the course of history.

In our daily lives, we must take action to empower the youth in our communities. Mentor, teach, and listen to the younger generation, offering them the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life. Support initiatives that provide education and opportunity, ensuring that every young person has the tools to choose the right path. Just as Lincoln and Mandela used their power to uplift the youth of their nations, so too must we invest in the future of our own societies. The road ahead is not always clear, but by providing guidance, education, and trust, we can help shape a world that future generations will be proud to inherit.

Thus, let us embrace the words of Benedict Cumberbatch as a call to action. It is through empowering the youth—through education, mentorship, and the nurturing of their voices—that we build a society where wisdom, justice, and compassion reign. We must ensure that no young person is left without the opportunity to make the right choices, to contribute to society, and to build a future worthy of their potential. In this, we honor not only the promise of youth, but the promise of a better world for all.